The Eight Canine Warriors are based on the epic novel Nansō Satomi Hakkenden (南總里見八犬傳; the last kanji is sometimes written in the simplified form 伝) によって Kyokutei Bakin, which was serially published in 106 volumes from 1814-1842. Nansō is an archaic name for Awa Province; Hakkenden means "Legend of the Eight Dogs".

At the beginning of this novel, Satomi Yoshizane becomes the lord of Awa province によって overthrowing its 前 ruler. He also executes the 前 ruler's wife, who curses his family; her spirit later possesses a foundling puppy, whom Yoshizane adopts and names Yatsufusa...