Who are the primary antagonists Buck faces as a sled dog?

Buck's primary antagonists as a sled dog are Spitz, the lead dog, and other rival dogs. Throughout the novel, Buck is introduced into a harsh and competitive environment where he must establish his place within the pack. Spitz poses a significant challenge to Buck, as he is the dominant lead dog and represents both a physical and psychological obstacle for Buck to overcome. Buck's struggle against Spitz is not just a fight for leadership; it symbolizes his overall transformation and adaptation to the wild instincts that begin to awaken within him.

The conflict with Spitz leads to crucial developments in Buck's character, highlighting themes such as strength, survival, and the raw instincts of nature. As Buck gradually learns to fight for his position, he reflects the broader struggle between civilization and the primal call of the wild. Therefore, Buck's interactions with Spitz and the rival dogs serve as the central relational conflicts that push his transformation into a creature attuned to nature.