The 2023 LEGO Friends theme is exploring disability from multiple angles

The new LEGO Friends sets have won praise for their depiction of disability – and that exploration extends to their animals as well. 

The LEGO Friends theme is getting a reboot in 2023, allowing the theme to focus on a wider variety of genders and skin tones than previous releases in the theme. Another major leap forward for the theme is its depiction of disability (visible and invisible) reflecting similar initiatives in themes like LEGO City

However, that idea isn’t just being applied to its human characters; it’s being applied to its furry friends. 41727 Dog Rescue Centre features what appears to be a dachshund with a pair of wheels to support its back legs. The dog is moulded with a harness (reflecting similar equipment in the real world) and appears to use a standard wheel element. 

Similar pieces have been used for skateboards, shopping trolleys and even minifigure wheelchairs over the last few years. This means you can swap out the wheel piece for one of a different colour if you’re so inclined.

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The LEGO Group has greatly expanded its selection of dog breeds over the years, with German shepherds, dalmatians, bulldogs and – er – Rowlf the Muppet appearing in LEGO form. 60292 Town Centre also features a guide dog, although next year’s Friends sets mark the first time animals and disabilities have been approached from this angle. 

As such, the LEGO Friends theme seems poised to maintain its popularity (and expand its diversity) for some time. Look out for the five new LEGO Friends sets from January 1, 2023. If you’re interested in 60292 Town Centre instead, it’s retiring at the end of this year – so act fast if you want to add it to your collection.

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