The Best Couch Material For Dogs Who Are Prone To Mischief

You might be surprised to see leather on our list—not to mention topping our list—but believe it or not, it’s one of the best options if you intend to bring a dog into your home. That said, you’re going to need to select a real leather in order to really reap the benefits, says Deborah Young, assistant chair of textile science at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. “If it’s durable, thick and from a company you depend on, leather can be a really good choice,” she confirms, and explains that leather is easy to clean and doesn’t have large fibers in which pet hair can become embedded.

While dogs can scratch leather, note that it’s common for this material to build up markings over time. As a result, any scratches your dog dishes out now will likely blend in with others—just be sure you’re into that sort of weathered look before investing. This West Elm couch is one of our top picks for 2024; it has a low enough profile that your dog won’t try to burrow underneath, it’s incredibly comfortable and it comes in over a dozen colorways and styles.

A second leather option, this no-assembly couch from Article has a decidedly low profile, so you don’t need to stress about bones and balls getting lost underneath (as any dog owner can attest, the space underneath a sofa can be a veritable black hole for such toys). It also has a slightly weathered look, which can help to hide any new scratches or scuffs that come up. It’s smooth, too—treated with both oil and wax, it’s sleek and soft to the touch. And comfort is far from an afterthought here: The couch features foam padding and a feather-filled seat.

Pottery Barn’s Jake sofa is a popular choice, and for good reason: It offers an enormous amount of customizable details, so you can work to create the design that’s right for your home (and your pet). Choose between bronze and brushed-metal legs to fend off chewers, and opt for either two or three cushions on the back and bench. There’s also an arsenal of leather shades to choose from, and the sofa sizes range from 63 to 95.5 inches.

If leather isn’t your look, not to worry: Young also recommends synthetic microfiber couches, which tend to offer a tight weave that can resist staining, odor build-up and scratches. By contrast, she says, natural fibers are absorbent and stain easily. Burrow is our top choice when it comes to a microfiber couch for dog owners: The brand has built an incredible reputation on creating seating with durable, specfically pet-protective fabrics, and their Block Nomad Sofa is a particularly excellent option. It offers a tight Olefin fiber weave that won’t readily take in loose dog hair or absorb dirt and stains.

With modern lines and a slew of size options, this gorgeous sofa should be on your list whether or not you’re thinking about dog-friendliness. It’s just deep enough and comes with squared armrests, and one of the many fabric options is a slub chenille that offers a natural color variation (all the better for hiding accidents and muddy prints).

If you’re craving the best of both worlds, look no further: The material on this low-slung beauty from Rove Concepts is billed as a “microfiber leather,” which the manufacturer claims is both water- and odor-resistant. Adding to the appeal is the fact that it’s coated with a layer of resin, which not only creates a soft, buttery feel, but is also highly durable. Finally, dog owners will appreciate that the frame here is flush with the floor—all the better to keep your pet from burrowing underneath.

“Performance fabric” is about as self-explanatory as it gets: The term is used to describe upholstery that’s both durable and easy to clean. And it’s not just a marketing gimmick: Stains really should come out of these fabrics more easily; the materials are literally designed to repel them. Crate & Barrel’s Aris Grande couch has Olefin upholstery (a widely acclaimed stain-resistant material), not to mention a wide seating area that’s roomy enough to support several family members (including furry ones).

Available in a massive selection of performance fabrics, this slipcovered sofa is a great option for anyone in the market for a more traditional feel—and with upholstery options ranging from chenille to knit, you can continue customizing it to your liking within that genre. Certain options even boast an antimicrobial finish, which is a nice way to ensure odors don’t build up over time. Finally, you can customize your couch’s legs, size, seat cushions and even depth to create a seating arrangement that feels right for your home.

This sleeper is a made-to-order couch, which might ward off those looking for a faster, more instantly gratifying investment. But it’s worth the wait: The sofa comes in your choice of nine performance fabrics, and it’s thoroughly stain resistant. The reversible cushions are a nice added touch; they’re an extra safeguard in case your pet treats one like a chew toy. Finally, note that there’s a hidden queen bed here for overnight guests.

Upholstery for outdoor furniture is typically designed to stand up to exposure to the elements, and that often translates well to protection against pet messes, too. As with indoor upholstery, “a tight weave is best” for outdoor fabrics, Young says. This couch from Serena & Lily is swathed in acrylic fabric that’s intended to resist UV radiation, mold, mildew and staining—nice perks to have in case your pet jumps on your seating after rolling in the mud.

This Frontgate sofa is an excellent option for anyone looking for dog-friendly patio furniture: It features a lovely-looking open weave, and it’s constructed from all-weather wicker that won’t put scratches on full display. The slightly distressed look is also a good camouflage for any imperfections that appear over time, and the reinforced joints add extra stability in case this becomes your dog’s new favorite outdoor napping spot.

This bestselling option comes in a classic alabaster shade and a more pet-friendly slate upholstery, and features a sturdy mahogany and eucalyptus wood frame. The wire-brushed surface hides imperfections (like unsightly gnaw marks) well, and the thick, flat arms also double as drink- and snack-holders—or just resting spots for your pup’s paws. It’s pricey, but because it’s functional, durable and looks the part, we’d be remiss not to include it on our list.

It’s true that not all woven fabrics are created equal—and some can be tricky with dogs (their claws can get caught and create snags, for starters). But if your heart’s after one of these stately materials, not to worry: Young simply suggests looking for one with a particularly tight weave, which can lower the risk of snags and pulls. This BenchMade Modern model is one such option: It’s covered in your choice of a tightly woven performance fabric, and you can choose from a range of colors. The company also offers a 100-day trial, so you can see how you (and your pup) like it before committing.

Interior Define allows shoppers to narrow down searches by pet-friendly fabrics, as well as performance and kid- and cat-friendly options—so you can be fairly certain you’re looking at options of the correct genre. The brand’s Gaby sofa is a minimalist yet comfortable choice with a soft feel and side cushions for you and your pet to curl up against. Customize your fabric, legs, cushions and fill, among other things.

A modular, modern-looking couch is a good idea no matter how many pets you’ve got—it allows you to add or remove seating as needed. But this particular option is even more worth your while: It features gently curved arms in your choice of high or low heights, the fabric is scratch- and stain-resistant and the ultra-tight weave lowers the risk of snags or tears (in fact, it all but renders them impossible). Burrow is a safe bet: The brand specifically designs couches with pet owners in mind, making it a good choice for those who prefer to invite their four-legged friend to lounge on the sofa with them.