Leather Sofas/Couches + Frenchies = Disaster?

[Ferdi Cruz]

my sister recently bought me a leather couch as a apartment warming gift. i told her it was really a thought gift but politely asked her to keep it for a short time until (which brings me to my question) does Leather Sofas/Couches + Frenchies = Disaster? anyone have any words of wisdom or tips or experiences they can share? thanks (^_^)

[Tatiana]

If it were suede or the faux ultrasuede I'd worry because of the dander and slobber, etc., however leather is probably one of the better upholstery options for dogs...

I have a long Ligne Roset "Lenny" sofa that came upholstered in a chocolate brown wool / silk blend and cost a tidy sum back at the turn of the century... When I asked an upholster for an estimate to fabricate a slipcover and fitted zippered cushion covers he quoted me an amount of $1,200.00 which didn't include the 22 yards of fabric that would've needed to be purchased - rather like buying an entirely new sofa... I was extremely happy when the sales lady at Ligne Roset called to tell me that they had a 75% sale on the leather sofa and cushion covers for my particular sofa model and paid $550.00 over the phone sight unseen... So my sofa is slipcovered in leather and it's the easiest thing to vacuum and clean... The cushions have down filling so the dogs sink and burrough themselves into them without any reservations... The leather is tough, stain-resistant, scratch resistant, hence makes it all the better for a pet-friendly home. When visitors aren't around, I cover the sofa with an assortment of washable textiles (African or Indian handwoven bedspreads, or Grand Foulards, etc. ) to make it more cozy for the dogs, and when I have guests over for dinner I just leave the sofa bare, and voilá!, it's perfectly clean and presentable seating with no pet dander to sully their clothing.

 

Got my sofa from my sister as well, by the way... We have amazingly awesome sisters I'd say : )

 

Cheers!

 

 

[jill]

we also have leather furniture specifically because of our frenchie and yorkie cross who are on the couches alot. One thing I was told and have done/will do is to condition the leather regularly to keep it supple and soft. We chose to keep the dogs off of the leather until it was well conditioned a few times. Enjoy your lovely gift :) Wish I had a sister (or anyone) who favored leather couches as gifts lol ;)

[Trish]

It depends on the quality of the leather. If the couch was inexpensive it will probably get trashed pretty easily. Our couch was around $6000 and it's 8 years old and has held up great. It only has surface scratches which actually wash off when we condition the leather and clean it.. I just use soap and water to wash it off, and then there is a cleaning and conditioning spray that I got from the store. Leather is much better than suede or cloth when it comes to animals.

[jill]

Good point. We had a leather couch (which we returned) years ago that was more like paper and would not have held up to much of anything.

[Yogi Berra & Brooklyn]

Leather is probably a good choice. I personally have mircofiber and thankfully he hasn't chewed on it. I use a brush vaccuum attachment as well to remove his hair and it works like a charm.  

[Mindy Russell]

I agree regular leather is the best choice not suede for furniture if you have dogs. I have had my leather sofa and love seat for about 6 yrs it does have scratches from their toenails mainly from my American Bulldog but I think it adds character.  ;0) Also I just spray it with some Meguiars leather cleaner (from the auto dept) and wipe clean with paper towels, makes it soft, clean and really shiney! 

[Ferdi Cruz]

thanks everyone for the input. helps put my mind at ease about having a leather couch now. PLUS i wouldnt have to feel bad about turning down the gift from my sister and hurting her feelings LOL (^.^)