From what I know of the real story about Balto is that he got the publicity for a group effort made by many sled dogs and mushers. He was not seen as a real lead dog in fact it was pure luck that he got the position at all. But he proved his leading abilities by bringing the medicine to Nome through the blizzard, thus bringing the end to the journey and safety to the sick children.

One final note: Balto was the leader for the last team on the relay to Nome, Togo the leader of another team got the longest and most dangerous route, finally: Balto's team was not meant to be the last on the relay but when they got to their chechpoint the musher their was asleep, so they went on.