Designer Dog Products: From Reasonable to Ridiculous

In our label-obsessed consumer culture, desire for designer clothing and furniture may be nothing new, but there's a now a new breed - specifically, of the canine kind. Having a dog in the first place is no small expense, but can you imagine spending a thousand dollars on a designer dog bed, or 2 grand on a designer dog collar?

You might explain away your spending by saying you like to spoil your "baby." But while you may idolize Paris Hilton, but your pooch obviously doesn't have the mental capacity to idolize Tinkerbell. I think it's safe to say that if you're shelling out hundreds on designer dog products, it's for your own satisfaction.

And who am I to say that's wrong? It's no different than buying a pair of designer jeans or a couture gown. You might even get more use out of it (through your four-legged friend, of course). In the end, I'd rather you buy your dog some expensive accessories than treat your dog like one.

Ready to dress your pet for success?  Or just want to marvel at others' excess?  Some of the most ridiculous, and more reasonable, designer dog products are showcased below.

Forget the donut-shaped dog pillow. Whatever your décor, your furry friend's furniture can coordinate with your own. With beds from the cowboy-inspired Rodeo to the feng shui-friendly Chinese Zen, and sofas from a gilded chaise longe to a leopard-print couch, you're sure to find something to suit your aesthetic tastes... or lack thereof.

While pet-toting tote bags can run $300, a more affordable (and very popular option) is Juicy Couture's line of dog carriers. Think twice before you invest, however. While it may be practical for a Tinkerbell-sized celebrity canine companion to be carried around, head poking out of the top of your purse, it's not as easy, the bigger your pooch pal is.  I'd never carry my own little Vivi, small as she is, in one of these contraptions--and not just because she'd pitch a fit.  Put a few 5-lb weights in your purse and carry it around all day. You'll start to see what I mean.

Fashion has made clothing into much more than just body coverings. Similarly, doggie couture has taken on a life of its own. Not only can you put your pomeranian in tweed, you can buy your pitbill a baseball jacket representing your favorite team, or dress your doberman in diamonds. Check out a few potential items for your dog's dream wardrobe below, as well as designer dog collars that could cost you a small fortune.

Like owner, like dog? A company called "Haute Diggity" specializes in dog items that imitate people's products. Even if you can't afford a pink caddy, your canine companion could, for a fraction of the price (but still a pretty pricetag... for a dog bed). More affordable are the plush toys designed to spoof popular brands of nail polish, chocolate, even an iPod!

What do you think about designer dog products? Harmless, hilarious, obnoxious, obligatory? Already own a few? Currently shopping? Can't imagine the appeal at all?

Vote in the poll to the right and be sure to share your comments below!