So we are upgrading our sofa and considering leather. I have been reading quite a bit but consider myself a novice. I am not sure I can tell the difference between fine leather and fake leather, I am sorry to say. So besides needing to get up to speed. I am concerned my Cocker Spaniel will damage the sofa as he gets on/off the sofa. In fact I was considering trying to find a color/type of leather where the additional scratches from a dog would fit right in.

So should I wait til we no longer have a dog? Can one find a finish/leather that would meet my needs?

(The sofa upgrade arises because we have just completely redone our home due to water damage from a fire. So the current beat up fabric sofa won't really fit).