LEXINGTON, KY. ? When you think Chihuahua, you probably don’t think couture.

Stephanie Bell thinks that’s a shame.

The Lexington woman started a dog-couture company, Fancy Furs (“couture for pampered pets”) in honor of her Chihuahua, Lucy.

“When I got her, there was nothing on the market available that was really fancy. This was about five years ago. So, I had a friend that was making these really fancy crystal bracelets. I decided to make one for Lucy to wear as a necklace.

“So, she started wearing these fancy creations of Swarovski crystals (and) pearls, and I got the idea to start a company called Fancy Furs. I went to a pet trade show and discovered there was a market for this high-end merchandise. I have been in business for five years, well ahead of the trend. We sell all over the world.”

What’s popular? An $85 fit-and-flair pink polka-dot dress sells especially well, Bell said.

She said she operates Fancy Furs like a fashion house, offering collections for spring and summer, fall and winter, and the holidays. One big summer seller is a Pucci-like print with a green bow that was a particular favorite in California and Miami.

Bell has an informational Web site at www.fancyfurs .com. Bell includes a range of sizes for smaller dogs, and she sometimes will do custom work for larger dogs – such as a sports-themed dress made for a larger dog as a Christmas gift from her owner.

The latest trend in critter couture? Weddings. Pet owners want their animals to participate in the ceremony or other nuptials parties, just like other family members.

Says Bell: “Whether it’s a fancy collar or a little dress or a tuxedo, we have all of that now.”