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Balto - Analysis
An analysis of the cartoon characters from ALL THREE Balto cartoons, and their possible real breeds (based on my opinions).


baltoseppala :



Okay...I pondered and pondered as to where to place this topic, and then I figured, 'what the heck, I'll just place it in the Balto 1 folder'. While this topic covers characters from all three of the cartoons, most of them are from Balto 1, so...

Like many of you, I have wondered about the real breeds of the dogs represented in Balto 1, 2 and 3. Now, keeping in mind that they ARE cartoons, and so there's going to be plenty of poetic license at work (that, coupled with the fact that the production teams never really spelled it out, and left it more or less to guess work), here are MY opinions about the real breeds of the various characters from the three (of course, your opinions may differ on this, and that's totally cool! In the end, it doesn't really matter...this is just my take):

BALTO AND HIS PUPS
Well, this one is pretty obvious...as are his offspring (Aleu, Dingo, Kodi, Saba, and the other two officially unnamed pups). Balto's a wolf-dog...half Siberian husky (Chukchi sled dog), and half wolf. Some visual comparisons (in order: the cartoon Balto, a real wolf, Kodi, Aleu, real Siberian huskies of various colors):




JENNA AND DUSTY
The two pure-bred Siberian huskies in the cartoons. Here are some comparisons (in order: Jenna, a real red-hued Siberian husky, Dusty, a real silver/gray-hued Siberian husky):



STEELE AND RALPH
Both Steele and Ralph are large dogs (well, Ralph may just be a fat husky...lol. After all, in Balto 1, the artists and animators made all of the background huskies exceedingly FAT. Any look at a real working Siberian husky or Alaskan Malamute will demonstrate clearly that they AREN'T fat! And that concept, how the artists flubbed that, always bothered me. In the two sequels, I think they did a much better job at drawing and animating the huskies). The way I see it, Steele and Ralph represent Alaskan Malamutes. (Alaskan Malamutes can indeed have blue eyes (almost all northern breeds can). It just so happens that only the 'breed standard' refers to them not be a 'desirable quality'." ) Here are some visual comparisons (in order: Steele, an Alaskan Malamute puppy of Steele's color, Ralph, and an adult Alaskan Malamute in winter coat):



DIXIE
This one's a bit tougher. In my estimation, Dixie's DEFINITELY one of what is known as the 'bichon' breeds (of which there are several). I don't, however, think she's a bichon frise. In fact, I think she's a 'Havanese'. And here's why (L-R: Dixie, a real Havanese).



SYLVIE
Here's another toughie. It's at least clear that Sylvie is a representation of the sighthounds (Greyhounds, Afghan hounds, Borzois, etc.). However, each breed has slightly different physical characteristics, and Sylvie is a mixture OF them. She has the luxuriant coat and bushy tail of a Borzoi, but the ears of an Afghan Hound (Borzois have short ears). Here are some comparisons (in order: Sylvie with Dixie, an artist's conception of a Borzoi, an artist's conception of an Afghan Hound):



KALTAG AND STAR
In Balto 1, you can see several of what are supposedly Siberian huskies with some unusual markings and characteristics (small, thin, whatever). I personally think they are representative of Alaskan huskies. The Alaskan husky is not a recognized breed per se, but a 'type'. A mixed breed that does have certain characteristics. It's similar to the Siberian husky, but sometimes has drop ears, or a wiry coat, or unusual tail or markings, etc. Here are some comparisons (in order: Kaltag, two Alaskan huskies with markings like Kaltag, Star, an Alaskan husky which looks a little like Star):



NIKKI
Nikki has to be the fattest dog in Balto 1! And he has another unusual feature...TINY ears! Someone once suggested to me that Nikki might not be a husky or malamute at all, but a chow chow! Well, chow chows are a northern breed, related to huskies, malamutes, and other Spitz-type dogs, and so could conceivably have the instinct in them to pull (no matter how small in their case). And, historically, it has been shown that MANY breeds were used at the time to pull sleds...not just huskies and malamutes. Here is a visual comparison, based upon this possibility (in order: Nikki, an artist's conception of a chow chow):



MORSE (or MORRIS)
The funny little bulldog with the tick, who belongs to the telegraph operator. A comparison (in order: Morse, an artist's conception of a bulldog):



MEL
Mel's obviously a terrier. The question is, which kind? Most people would come back with 'Airedale'. He does look like one. But he's short. And Airedales are NOT short! Then again, there is a closely-related breed of terrier known as the Welsh terrier, which is a little shorter than the Airedale. That's what I think Mel is. To wit (in order: Mel, an artist's conception of a Welsh terrier):



DOC
Doc's a little tough too. He has characteristics of several large breeds. The obvious thought is that he's a Saint Bernard. Possible. But in some ways, he looks very UNlike a Saint Bernard. He does, however, look a heck of a lot like a rare German breed called a 'Leonberger'. To wit: (in order: Doc, an artist's conception of a Saint Bernard, a Leonberger):



DIPSY
At first, I thought Dipsy might be a mixed breed. And she talks like she's an American diner waitress. LOL. But after considering it, I figured she just might be a fat spaniel! There are many breeds of spaniel, but I think she most closely resembles the English Cocker Spaniel (again, just a fat one). Keep in mind that English Cocker Spaniels don't look much like American Cocker Spaniels. They're a bit larger, and longer in the snout. To wit (in order: Dipsy, an artist's conception of an English Cocker Spaniel):



KIRBY
Kirby doesn't have much of the look of a Siberian husky, or a Malamute, or perhaps even an Alaskan husky. But he does look sorta like a Greenland Dog! And they DID exist at the time (if mostly on the other side of the new world)! To wit (in order: Kirby, a Greenland dog):



THAT ANNOYING LITTLE TERRIER IN BALTO 2
Remember that little guy? The one who announces to Balto and Boris that Jenna's had her puppies? Well, first glance might suggest a West Highland White Terrier (he has the Scots accent, and he's white). But he also has a long, grayish moustache. And 'Westies' don't have a prominent 'beard'. But Scottish Terriers do. But you might say 'SCOTTISH terrier? But those have black fur!' True. And they also come in white and brindle! LOL! Lookie (in order: the terrier, a white Scottish terrier):


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   Kelev, August 15, 2006 at 16: 16

Member

Yes, I've seen many relaited articals, and yet you have the best one by far! Good show!;)


   Anti Dark Heart, August 15, 2006 at 16: 55

Shout box mod

Sweet all the breeds


   Cat Lover, August 15, 2006 at 18: 02

Member

good breed article!


   GKfan~kodi4evur, August 15, 2006 at 20: 23

Member

i thought he would be a chow chow too


   DingoHusky, August 15, 2006 at 21: 29

Member

NIKI is my favorite dog! I love Chow Chow's I have two at home.:)


   baltofan01WMP-AM, August 16, 2006 at 01: 49

Member

picture pirfect!:P


   Kelev, August 16, 2006 at 12: 54

Member

Oh, and believe it or not, Silvie really is an Afgan hound. I found some pics from the early Thirties that showed dog show quality afgan hounds, and they look identical to Silvie. They had rather short hair, not the long flowing hair that we see today.;)


   ButterBall, August 16, 2006 at 14: 43

Member

Good job! People are saying that Niki is either a Chow Chow or some other kind of dog, but I really think he's a chow chow.


   Writewolf, August 16, 2006 at 19: 59

Member

wow! great job;)


Olivia_loves_Link, August 17, 2006 at 00: 40
Member

Well, Doc is a mixed breed to me.


   foxling, August 17, 2006 at 18: 23

Member

best yet


   highland wolf, August 17, 2006 at 19: 32

Member

Great article Balto Seppala! I agree with you! :p I love how you found comparasions, they look so alike! Love it! Good work!


aniu white wolf14, August 17, 2006 at 21: 11
Member

I loved your article do you have more?;)


*kapu*, August 18, 2006 at 19: 10

I love it!!! It seems like you love dogs and breeds as much as I do. I agree with everything you said. The pics are awesome!:P


   MayaHuskee, August 23, 2006 at 03: 25

Member

Very nice! ^^ Lots of good info.


   jenna___wolf/husky, August 23, 2006 at 05: 39

Member

nice article!i think yours is the best for now!;) lol :P


Maiyun-NLP-(AF), August 24, 2006 at 22: 49
Member

Dixie, is not a bichon frise, I have one and they are pure white, dixie is either a Lhasa Apso or something else but definitely not a Bichon.


halfmoonhowl, August 28, 2006 at 21: 44
Member

Hmm, I always thought that Dixie was a pomeranian... of a lavender hue.... Meh?


   JennaGirl, August 28, 2006 at 23: 48

Member

Love the article! I really like your real dog pictures, their very alike to the animated dogs. Now I can stop wondering about the dogs real breeds. Nice job!:P


   Shadow_Wolf, August 31, 2006 at 13: 53

Member

Thats some good info.


silver wolfey, September 03, 2006 at 03: 35

I like it


silver wolfey, September 03, 2006 at 03: 36

I like it


Balto wolfdog, September 05, 2006 at 14: 37
Member

Great article! But I don't agree with the Dipsy one. I think she would be a hound mix.

Good article, however.


   chihuahueño, September 06, 2006 at 21: 36

Member

pretty good,but for me dixie looks like a pomme,and kirby like an akita,but who aia am to judge


   jenna___wolf/husky, October 03, 2006 at 03: 06

Member

balto is not a real wolf he's half/dog too well never read that part!


   jenna___wolf/husky, October 03, 2006 at 03: 06

Member

balto is not a real wolf he's half/dog too well never read that part!


   jenna___wolf/husky, October 03, 2006 at 03: 07

Member

balto is not a real wolf he's half dog too i never read that part!


wolf puppy, October 07, 2006 at 12: 22
Member

This is great! I always wonderd about Dipsy's breed


   fle bag, October 08, 2006 at 18: 40

Webranker

Yes a lot of the "unknow" dogs in Balto are chows like the one Steele races against in the beging of the 1st Balto movie I have a chow chow and chow chows have black/puple tongues look at there tongues I'm defintly right!


wolf_conductor, October 21, 2006 at 03: 12
Member

Loved it man! Very infomative!


   KODIACK THE KING, October 30, 2006 at 06: 59

Member

I agree mai your so smart ^^


   Baltorev29, November 09, 2006 at 00: 24

Member

this is really awsome! well we all know that balto is part wolf but what kind of wolf. my thoughts are that he is part dire wolf (cainnus Dirus)
please correct me if im wrong


   Baltoowner, November 14, 2006 at 23: 45

Member

I like the show . I'm really glad that you told us the breeds in balto 1,2 and3. However I do not remember The terrier. MAN I wish I had. Just glad I don't have to listen to his annoying vocie.


   Cat Wings, November 17, 2006 at 20: 15

Member

I agree. I like the way you showed examples of your thougts. Very good article


   Running Wolfie, December 01, 2006 at 02: 42

Member

I never put much thought into it, but those are all good answers. Good job


   Running Wolfie, December 01, 2006 at 03: 03

Member

I never put much thought into it, but those are all good answers. Good job


   Star Wolf, December 03, 2006 at 14: 56

Member

Nice pics.!


   Star Wolf, December 03, 2006 at 14: 57

Member

Nice pics.

saberbone, December 29, 2006 at 13: 48
Member

I agree Snowpaws!


   evanescence, January 28, 2007 at 21: 06

Member

nice aritcle


   Stone Paw, February 11, 2007 at 15: 38

Articles mod

This has got to be one of the best articles on the entire site, I'm suprised new members don't comment on this.


Alue26, February 24, 2007 at 08: 00
Member

I tough that Kirby a Siberean Husky was. Over Greenland Dogs I hearded never before.

   H-R_hybrid, March 25, 2007 at 11: 49

Member

i really don't think that dixie is a havonese
i have my own idea of what she might be, and i guess it is a small dog but not from the bichon family
anyways, great article and wonderful pics


Balto64, April 22, 2007 at 19: 13
Member

i like it too


   Kaltag is the smartest..., June 02, 2007 at 15: 39

Member

Dixie might be a Lhasa Apso?


   Letranger, July 10, 2007 at 20: 53

Member

Dixie cannot be a Havanese; they're not nearly enough like her! It seems a sort of random choice just b/c "bichon" indicates fluffiness. BTW, there are only about 6 "Bichon" breeds. Dixie is obviously at least part Spitz!! Please, stick with Pomeranian (maybe mix)! Lhasa Apso is not nearly similar enough either.

Sighthounds are my true love! ^^ Sylvie is pretty much an Afghan Hound...most likely with some Borzoi in her family as well, as her face, tail, etc., do somewhat suggest. But everything about her that's not completely Afghan-like in the way that we typically think of one...can be chalked up to the fact that she's a cartoon, after all, and that she's just a somewhat "different" Afghan, or one who's been clipped or something. ^^ Like a few other animated ones--it appears to be how some animators like to draw them, with exaggerated features, or whatnot. And sighthounds HAVE always varied a tremendous amount irl, too, before and after being streamlined into a certain number of specific 'breeds' that we have today. Heck, Sylvie could be seen as a (Khalag) Tazi, Bakhmull, or one of them early/aboriginal sighthound types that paved the way for modern Affies and Salukis and all, despite their extreme rarity! Still, Afghan is probably your #1 choice. They originally varied a lot in coat length and in type (and still do to a great extent), and "Balto" took place in much earlier times, so...

Animated Borzoi (like Boris from Lady & the Tramp) tend to look very distinctively like the breed though, I’ve noticed—where other characters are much harder to pinpoint, falling between lots of breeds or not looking like anything in particular.

Doc: Oh man, I won't even go there! XD He has traits of too many large heavy-coated working breeds to name. He's like a mutt.lol But I can go with St. Bernard for at least the dominant breed. I mean, the barrel around the neck doesn’t PROVE anything. But Saint works well enough for him, particularly since he’s a cartoon; I always thought of him that way.

Dipsy: Basset hound/cocker spaniel. It accounts for her just about perfectly. And Morse is like some kind of Bulldog/Pug/French Bulldog type thing. Lastly, the white Scotties are called wheaten. ^^


   Moro wolfgod fan300, March 19, 2008 at 17: 18

Member

Nice article but I think the "Dixie being a Havanese" thing is wrong, because we own three Havaneses named Mei (Tsumeato's dog), Felicity (My dog), and a big one named Fievel (Kosuke's dog). and let me point something out.
One: She dosen't even look like one. She would be REALLY fluffy.
Two: If she were a Havanese, she would have floppy ears. She has POINTY ears.

   Lionstar, May 28, 2008 at 02: 54

Member

cool


   LateRose of Noonvale, June 15, 2008 at 01: 45

Member

I agree with everything, except Dixie. She's an Alasa Apso or something like that.


   letranger, June 23, 2008 at 04: 50

Member

Dixie is clearly NOT a Havanese or a LHASA APSO. Why is Lhasa always guessed for her? She looks nothing like one. She's most like a Pomeranian type!



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