What is the origin of the idiom "ahead of the pack" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "ahead of the pack" is rooted in the imagery of a group of animals, particularly wolves or dogs, moving together as a pack. It was used to refer to a member of the group who is leading or positioned in front of the others, often indicating that they are the strongest or most dominant individual. Over time, this metaphorical expression was adapted for use in a wider range of contexts to describe individuals, organizations, or entities that are excelling or leading in their respective fields or competitions.