Distinctions - The LEGO Creator 3-in-1 Adorable Dogs 31137 has some of the most solid alternate builds we’ve seen from the Creator line in awhile. All dogs bear unique hallmarks or colorings of specific breeds. Legs are articulated at the hips and feet allowing for play and posing.

Criticisms - There is a single build involved in one of the two alternate builds that falls distinctly in the uncanny valley, that being the dachshund. With little articulation and a body that has unnatural proportions, it appears the least intentional of all the builds included.

Distinctions - Like most LEGO sets, the tolerances of the LEGO pieces involved in the LEGO Creator 3-in-1 Adorable Dogs 31137 are great, with fitment being strong and flush. Colors are both vivid and properly coated to prevent from sun-fading. Moving elements are strong and remain tight with extended movement use.

Criticisms - Eye prints are somewhat vulnerable to scratching and gradual damage, nature of the printing process involved means certain colors fade with time while others remain stronger, adding interesting contrast to the color palette.

Distinctions - The LEGO Creator 3-in-1 Adorable Dogs 31137 stays true to its name, providing a lot of character within the cute designs of each individual dog. Accessories also have a lot of character and capture larger designs with minimal excess. Colors are contrasting while still remaining pleasing to the eye.

Criticisms - As mentioned before, the dachshund build is mildly off-putting with eye placement and size when compared to the others. Accessories also use some vivid colors that may detract from cohesion with larger display environments.

Distinctions - Lego is, as ever, strong in reuse and recyclability. With three different builds included in this particular set, official reuse is even being emphasized. The LEGO Creator 3-in-1 Adorable Dogs 31137 does not overdo bespoke or limited use special pieces, ensuring that every piece is easily usable with the rest of Lego’s system. Fully plastic designs are easily recyclable if desired, though freedom of Lego assembly allows for continued use in as many contexts as can be conceptualized.

Criticisms - As always, the criticism to be had with LEGO products is their plastic base, as well as traditionally recyclable, but still disposable paper instructions and ink-heavy retail packaging. Reuse, quality and longevity of LEGO pieces offsets the plastic cost, but considering the over-sized nature of the box versus the contents, reductions are possible.

Distinctions - Incredible value for either build or display customization, great designs that capture the essence and personality of a dog without too many bespoke pieces that limit the individual reuse of LEGO elements. The LEGO Creator 3-in-1 Adorable Dogs 31137 is not only a solid set of pieces for multiple builds, but great for later reuse in personal builds.

Criticisms - LEGO’s major complaint with aficionados is the gradual price inflation and decrease of set sizes. While other competitors compensate for poorer tolerances and less thoughtful designs with larger size, LEGO has maintained quality at the gradual expense of physical footprint and MSRP. This particular set, while not an egregious example, might have retailed for a third less within the last decade.