I actually looked into this by looking at the screen caps, and I have to rebut. This is most likely not a collar, the reason why is that in a somewhat distant shot, we actually can see whats hanging off if it. If it was a collar, it would most likely be a dog tag of some sort on the end but after closer inspection, there is a distinct color change near the middle to the same color as Balto's chest fur, meaning that there is a ring at the end of it not a tag, you can except Balto being adopted into your head canon if you wish. But I think the evidence is clear, Balto is wearing a harness not a collar.

Evidence: http://caps.pictures/200/4-bal [...] -disneyscreencaps.com-8855.jpg

I'm also going to agree with Ac on this. I think what you are seeing, in that screen cap, is probably a belt of some kind to secure Balto in the cockpit of the plane. Open cockpits, in those types of planes, could easily lead to very unfortunate incidents if a pilot or passenger were not properly secured.

I do believe that Duke and Balto developed a friendship. And, if the untold part of the animated storyline were to continue, beyond the end of the third movie, I think we'd see a gradual unhappy decline in dog sledding for Nome and the region (as the real history of Alaska and Canada dictate). The bush planes were definitely becoming the new thing, and dog sledding, while it remained a recreational pastime, as well as an alternate means of transportation across the Alaskan and Canadian landscapes, and a form of racing, dog teams in the mail service were indeed being quickly nudged into oblivion by bush pilots. Duke and his plane are the personifications of that historic process in the third movie.

Of course, it's also true that we don't know whether or not Balto was ever formally adopted by Rosie's family. From all appearances, Rosie's parents had a change of heart about him after the serum run, and were willing to allow Rosie to visit and have contact with him (the same with Jenna). I suspect, also, that they permitted Balto to visit their home frequently. But it's evident to me, as it is to you, that Balto remained true to his lifestyle, living in the boat with Boris. Only now, he didn't have to live as a stray...the citizens of Nome would now, it is inferred, take pretty darned good care of him. He was no longer "persona non grata" on the streets of Nome.

I've actually been to modern-day Nome. I specifically remember one husky (a scraggly-looking fellow whom I have a picture of and, if I can, I may post it here later) who wandered loose through town. I saw him several times, over several days. He darted in and out of narrow alleys and down the streets. When I approached him (using all the usual and time-honored cautions that any good dog-owner knows), he initially retreated to the steps of one of the smaller, ramshackle homes common to the Native Alaskan population element of the town. Though he eventually warmed up to me. It certainly took some doing though.

But, from all outward appearances, he was just a stray...wandering loose and looking quite unkempt, though not ill-fed or ill-cared for. I took the encounters with him, and observations I had of him, as special...reminders of Nome's past. And even of the fictional Balto.

I'm going to have to agree with AC on this one.

I think that it is a lovely thought that Balto finally found his home however I'd be tempted to say that the collar is actually a harness and is being used to secure him in the cockpit of the plane in the same way a pilot would wear the seatbelt. You wouldn't want a loose dog panicking in a plane while you were trying to land/take off.

i aggre they should make3 a 4 move about his adoption after all balto saved duke's life

I think a lot of people noticed this. It's logical to assume that Duke adopted Balto. The implications, however, leave a lot of questions: does Balto travel around with Duke now? Does that mean he's required to leave Nome? Does he have a "job" with Duke? The questions, the questions. XD

Good article, Troll!

I agree, but Duke can still adopt Balto. The thing I am still wundered about is that Aleu wasn't adopted bu local people in the 2nd episode. MAY Duke conduct Balto to Aleu with his aircraft !

Totally cool I love balto a lot