Ursa...do you have any chemical / green considerations?
If so, it would have a big impact on your options and choices and you may want to rethink the use of concrete. If not, stained concrete is very cool and can be done in any style, color and even texture you want. Its not as low maintenance as a lot of people think however. It requires a lot of chemicals to maintain the color and keep it looking "waxed" or finished. AND it is not a good choice for a dog room given that concrete is a highly porous surface and stains easily. It is extremely difficult to sanitize as well, if at all.
I have a chemical free home here and so my considerations may not be your's - but we had stamped, colored concrete outside and just ripped it all up and in the process right now of re-doing. This was the last "toxic chemical" left on my property after making our home "green". Since I am not willing to use the chemical sealers necessary to maintain it, it really looked like h*ll (and does quickly if these sealers are not consistently applied). Some installers will even use epoxies on it which is one of the biggest off-gasers and air pollutants we have - so not a great choice for a small space or not well ventilated space.
As a result, I avoid all products high in chemical density and especially those that off-gas - like many vinyls.
The best products to use from an air quality stand point, are linoleum, porcelain tile, or natural products (rubber, stone, or slate). Marmoleum in particular is very safe, and anti-bacterial and easy to clean (
http://www.themarmoleumstore.com). Tile, as long as you can deal with the grout, is also a great, safe, cooling choice. The rubber floors used in garages, as long as they aren't treated, are good options as well.
I only suggest this because I think staining, sanitation, and safety are all important considerations for your intended use.