If you want wood, go with hardwood - solid hard wood, not 'engineered, laminate or any of that other ****'- and put down several layers of polyurethane. Properly coated and sealed, the most you will have to do is buff it. (except maybe every 10-20 years). If you want the ultimate in durabilty, go with ceramic tile. One problem with it, however, is the tendancy of grout to absorb urine.... it can be rather difficult to prevent resoiling.
