I tried to look up the answer for you but could not find it but I do remember that my samples of the Mirage Maple and the Lauzon red oak that are much softer woods did not scratch as easily as the BR- Brazilian Cherry Floor I now have on my floor. Hardness has nothing to do with scratches but softer wood will dent more easily if something is dropped on them BUT my Brazilian Cherry floors dent also.

I have Lauzon engineered wood flooring and the finish is very durable!! I have red oak natural and not the American cherry that you are looking at.

We don't have any dogs, but we get plenty of foot traffic including pointed heeled shoes on occasion. It's been about 2 years and I am amazed at how well the finish is holding up.

There is a portion of flooring in the FR that gets a lot of strong afternoon sun coming through the sliding glass door. After 2 years, I cannot see any sign of fading from this sun exposure.

Dh and I have been very pleased with the quality of our Lauzon floor. Which ever floor you choose, I hope you will post a follow up. For us, it was such a good feeling to have wood flooring after years and years of old dirty carpet. I hope you enjoy your new floors as much as we have!

Laurie

A good poly top coat on a prefinished floor is usually fine for a small dog. The Janka scale will tell you how hard each species of wood is, but the finish is what will prevent scratches and blemishes. Cherry itself is a relatively hard domestic species, but Lauzon finishes are very durable.

Here is a link that might be useful: How to Choose Wood Flooring