Solid Hardwood, Engineered and Laminate Flooring - engineered floor

I live in a small house with no family room, kids, and two dogs. I'm tired of trying to keep my carpets clean and they look trashed after 8 years. I want to replace the carpet in my living/family room, dining room. I thought I wanted laminate, but I'm reconsidering engineered wood, due not only for the beauty of wood, but resale of my home. I've also read that laminate may not be as durable as it's made to seem. My concerns are, the maintenance, and cost of an engineered floor. Is it as diffucult as people say it is to maintain and is the cost that much higher. What can I expect to pay sq. ft. wise including install for a good quality engineered floor. The area is 368 sq. ft. of heavy traffic.
I could use some advice and would greatly appriciate a response.

Engineered wood offers a thin layer of real wood over several plies of of substrate. Some have veneer layers so thin that they can not be refinished. More expensive products with thicker veneer layers and better finish warranties will tend to be more expensive. With kids and dogs engineered wood does not seem like a good option. Solid hardwood can be sanded and refinished. Perhaps a ceramic tile with the look of natural stone would be a more durable option with all the traffic in your home.

As stated previously, engineered wood is not ideal with the dogs. It will scratch in no time.

Laminate is more durable. However, if you want to the look and feel of real wood, then go with solid hardwood floors. You will probably have to refinish them prior to re-selling your home though.

I would suggest a solid vinyl planks flooring,

Comes in planks that resemble wood, with some looking more realistic then others some look like laminate. AMTICO, NAFCO, Karndean, & Congoleum are just a few of the manufacturers that make it.

Hmm wow I didn't know dogs and engineer wood was a no no?... I have a small little silky terrier about 5 pounds. Will she cause damage on the woods? Are we talking about the claws?