Animation Source Forums

Many sources have pointed to the fact that Balto wasn't the only lead dog Kaasen used during the Serum Run. He actually started out with a dog named Sye, then later switched to Fox. When both dogs got worn out a little before they reached Point Safety, he moved Balto to the front.

I knew that balto was not the only dog, they switched mushers and dogs at certain points, I think the whole reason batlo was considered the hero was, the storm was at its worst, he was the actual final dog too bring back the medicicne, and also he was considered a dog that could only deliver slow transport goods.

It is my understanding that Balto was put in the lead of the team before Kaasen took charge of the serum. Seppala wanted Fox to lead the team, as he was experienced. Sye was the youngest dog on the team. It is highly unlikely he would have been chosen.

Wasn't Balto the one who remembered the way back to Nome? I remember reading somewhere on this site that even Kassen had lost hope.

Well, it is said that Kaasen and his team faced a practical whiteout in the blizzard, and that Balto did pick his way meticulously through the storm back to Nome. That showed that he had the talent and instinct to be a lead dog. However, any good lead dog would have been able to accomplish the same. That is a hallmark of the great northern breeds like the Siberian Husky.