Americans like things big. We drive big trucks, eat big meals, and watch big TVs. And once upon a time, the American pet of choice was a big dog. The popular dogs could hunt, catch a Frisbee, or fetch the paper for you in the morning. But recently the trendiest animals in America are barely even the size of a Frisbee, let alone able to catch one. Tragically, the popular dogs of the past have been replaced by miniature dogs that look as much like rodents as they do canines.

The most amazing facet of the mini-dog trend is not the rat-like appearance of the popular breeds, but rather the sheer economics. While almost anyone can head down to their local humane society and take home a lovable dog at virtually no cost, many of the popular miniature dogs are selling for more than $2,000. The mini-dog craze is so out of hand that it has actually become difficult for veterinarians to find enough miniature needles and pills to treat their tiny clientele.

Infamous mini-dog aficionado Paris Hilton led the trend. She actually gave up her teacup Chihuahua, Tinkerbell, because it grew too large, opting instead for a younger and smaller pet. Even after Tinkerbell was rudely ousted from Paris' Prada bag, the dog was still highly sought after as breeding stock. Reportedly, puppies born into the Tinkerbell family tree cost at least $10,000.

Following in the footsteps of Paris, young female celebrities like Jessica Simpson, Britney Spears, and Hilary Duff have jumped on the mini-mutt bandwagon. While small dogs actually do need ridiculous-looking sweaters to retain the little body heat they produce, their owners are taking pet care to an extreme level. It is astounding that "fashionable" individuals use their dogs as fashion statements, dressing their pets in high-end designers. Tiny pups can sport a doggie trench coat by Burberry for only $225 or pop their collar in the company's $150 signature plaid polo.

Hilary Duff, Nicolas Cage and Will Smith have all been known to take their dogs to a Los Angeles area pet psychologist. I may not be Sigmund Freud, but it seems rather obvious that individuals who dress their dogs in designer clothing, tote them around in expensive hand bags, and take their pets to see a psychologist may need a few doctors of their own.

Around the country gourmet pet restaurants, like the Three Dog Bakery franchise, bake personalized peanut butter dog bones and birthday cakes for Fido. Pet aromatherapy has become popular, and pet spas have opened up in various locations. Worse yet, some self-help yoga books now include instructions for dog yoga. So next time you see a dog carrying a yoga mat, or riding along in a purse, don't pinch yourself – apparently, pet fashion is here to stay.