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Guys, I can see where you'd draw a hypothetical comparison based on that. But the fact is that the only similarity between Steele and Togo was that both were champion racers (and lead dogs on racing teams).
But there are substantial differences:
1. Steele has much different markings than Togo
2. Steele, as he is drawn, is much bigger than Togo (Togo was said to be small for his breed...topping out at barely 50 pounds) was.
3. The owner of Steele is never named, but he has an American accent. Leonhard Seppala, the owner of Togo, was Norwegian...and definitely didn't have an American accent.
Besides, assuming the production designers of the first Balto movie actually researched the original Serum Run history (which they clearly did, to at least some degree), they would not make the mistake of creating a villainous character and then connecting him to a historical legend like Togo. Whether by direct association, or inference. That would alienate and anger those who know of the real history. And even if Togo is not generally well-known to young fans of the Balto cartoons, he is still VERY well known to countless Siberian Husky (and Seppala Sled Dog) breeders and owners, and to countless more mushers.
Verdict? Unlikely that Steele is based on Togo. Even MORE unlikely that he represents Togo.
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