Togo (dog)

Togo was a sled dog owned by Leonhard Seppala. He was Seppala’s lead dog in the 1925 serum run to Nome. His team ran the longest and most dangerous part.[1][2] Togo’s half brother Fritz was also part of the team.[3]

Togo
Leonhard Seppala with dogs.jpg
Leonhard Seppala with sled dogs from his kennel - Togo is at far left. Other dogs from left to right: Karinsky, Jafet, Pete, unknown dog, Fritz
SpeciesCanis lupus familiaris
BreedSeppala Siberian Sleddog
SexMale
Born1913
DiedDecember 5, 1929 (aged 16)
Poland Spring, Maine
Resting placeStuffed and mounted body, displayed at the Iditarod Trail Headquarters Museum in Wasilla, Alaska. Togo's skeleton is mounted separately, and is in the possession of the Peabody Museum of Natural History.
OccupationSled dog
Known for1925 serum run to Nome
OwnerLeonhard Seppala
Parent(s)Suggen x Dolly (Import)
OffspringTogo (II), Kingeak, Paddy, Bilka (and others)
AppearanceDark grey, black and brown coat (Agouti) of medium length with light undersides and patches. Grew to ~48 lbs in adulthood. Large front paws, wide muzzle, and damaged right ear which can be used to identify him easily in many pictures. Brown eyes.
Named afterTōgō Heihachirō
AwardsMost Traveled Dog In Alaska, Champion Trophy Winner In Nome, Record of Longest and Fastest run in Serum Drive, The Most Heroic Animal of all Time

Balto, another dog who took part, became the most famous because he was part of the final team. Many believe that Togo should have received the attention that the press gave to Balto.[4]

References

  1. "Togo - A Capsule History". Balto’s True Story.
  2. Hank, Will (2020). "The True Story of Togo: Siberian Husky Sled Dog Hero of 1925 Nome Serum Run". American Kennel Club.
  3. "Fritz - A Capsule History". Balto’s True Story.
  4. Steinmetz, Katy (2011-03-21). "Top 10 Heroic Animals - TIME" (in en-US). Time. ISSN 0040-781X . http://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2059858_2059863_2060458,00.html. Retrieved 2020-11-24.