Puppies Trio by Cartonic: complex look, straightforward building process
18/2/2026
Translation: Katherine Martin
Pictures: Ramon Schneider
3D cardboard puzzles often look more complex than they really are, and Puppies Trio by Cartonic is no exception. Despite the manufacturer’s «advanced» recommendation label, the puzzle’s surprisingly straightforward to complete.
Two hundred and twenty-seven pieces and 140 minutes for some 3D animals? When I look at the Cartonic box, I mentally brace myself for the evening ahead. The puzzle’s manufacturer Cartonic classifies the set as «advanced» too.
Source: Ramon Schneider
During the building process, however, the manufacturer’s verdict quickly loses its gravitas. The pieces slot straightforwardly together, and the click-in system’s self-explanatory. I hardly ever get frustrated. The set may look challenging, but on a hands-on level, it really isn’t. Rather than tinkering with the puzzle, you fall into a routine: click in, layer, continue.
Source: Ramon Schneider
Cartonic specialises in cardboard model-making sets. Its sculpture-like puzzles consist of multiple cardboard layers. The company says its products are developed and manufactured in Ukraine. Its range mostly includes decorative structures, from animals and buildings to pop culture-related designs.
Where the material struggles
Rather than how they’re put together, one of the models’ major weaknesses is their design. The wooden rods used to stabilise the models are sensitive to pressure. Sometimes, the ends broke off as I was adding or readjusting a piece.
Source: Ramon Schneider
This is particularly noticeable on the chihuahua model. Rather than being reinforced by a sturdy wooden element, its ears are held in place solely by soft cardboard. As you’d expect, this makes them unstable in the finished model. While the other figures look robust, the chihuahua’s ears feel pretty fragile. I also made the mistake of trying to add them once I’d finished the rest of the dog, which unfortunately didn’t quite work.
Source: Ramon Schneider
Although details like this aren’t a big deal, they do have an effect on the model’s overall appearance. I expect decorative models to be robust. Cardboard, however, isn’t the most forgiving material once you add tension or pressure to the structure.
The strong points
All in all, I like the basic idea behind the set. The cardboard gives it a unique look, as it’s markedly different from plastic or wooden models. Once you put them together, the figures have their own charm and work well as little decorative objects.
Source: Ramon Schneider
The puzzles are very accessible too. With no need for glue or tools, everything stays clean, dry and uncomplicated. Just take the pieces out of the box and get started. No prep or extra materials required.
In a nutshell
Looks good, but isn’t all that robust
The Puppies Trio wins me over with its unique cardboard aesthetic and easy building process. The models look like decorative accessories, and take less time to build than you might initially think. Their weakness is their individual elements, especially the wooden rods and pieces with delicate details.
Pro
- No tools or glue required
- Accessible, frustration-free building process
- Free-standing decorative structure
- Interesting material
Contra
- The wooden rods break easily
- Some delicate pieces aren’t robust
- Difficulty level seems to have been overestimated
Header image: Ramon Schneider
I get paid to play with toys all day.
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