How to Tell if a Cowhide Rug Is Real or Fake: 7 Quick Tests

With so many faux cowhide rugs flooding the market, knowing how to identify a genuine hide is an increasingly valuable skill. Here are seven quick tests you can apply before making a purchase.

1. Check the Backing

Real cowhide: The backing is smooth, natural leather. It may have slight texture variations, faint natural markings from the original hide, and a slightly earthy smell.

Fake: Faux cowhide rugs typically have a fabric, canvas, or synthetic felt backing. It feels uniform, may have a slightly chemical smell, and will not have the natural variation of genuine leather.

2. Look at the Hair

Real cowhide: Hair lies flat in a natural direction. Individual hairs may vary slightly in length, thickness, and texture. The pattern has organic, flowing boundaries between colors – not sharp, uniform edges.

Fake: Synthetic fibers are often perfectly uniform in length. Pattern edges between colors tend to be crisp, even, or obviously printed rather than naturally gradated.

3. Look for Natural Variation

Real cowhide: No two genuine cowhide rugs are identical. If a seller has 50 of the exact same rug available at once, it is almost certainly faux.

Fake: Faux rugs are mass-produced. Each one looks identical to the next.

4. Smell It

Real cowhide: Has a faint, natural leathery smell, particularly when new. This dissipates within a few days of airing out. It is similar to a new leather bag or shoe.

Fake: Synthetic rugs often have a plastic or chemical smell, especially when new. This smell tends to linger longer than genuine leather.

5. Feel the Weight

Real cowhide: A medium-sized genuine cowhide rug (around 5-6 ft) typically weighs 8-15 lbs. It has substance and density.

Fake: Faux cowhide is generally lighter for the same size, as synthetic fibers weigh less than natural leather and hair.

6. Check the Shape

Real cowhide: The outline is organic and irregular – the natural shape of the hide. It is roughly oval or pear-shaped but not perfectly symmetrical.

Fake: Many faux rugs are cut to a more regular, uniform shape. A very symmetrical oval or rectangle is a flag.

7. Ask the Seller Directly

A reputable cowhide seller should be able to tell you exactly where their hides are sourced, what grade they are, and which country and tannery they come from. Vague answers or an unwillingness to disclose sourcing is a warning sign.

When Shopping Online

Look for sellers who photograph each individual rug (not stock photos), provide actual dimensions, and offer clear return policies. Read reviews carefully for mentions of quality, smell, and backing material.

At Mr. Cowhides, every rug is photographed individually and we are always happy to provide sourcing information on request. Contact us with any questions.

Browse our genuine Brazilian cowhide rugs – free USA shipping and 30-day returns.