Inuzuka Clan

The Inuzuka clan is known for their use of dogs as fighting companions. Clan members are apparently given their own canine partner or partners when they reach a certain age. Thereafter, the shinobi and his/her dog(s) are practically inseparable. Clan members have distinctive red fang markings on their cheeks, animalistic eyes, and enlarged canine teeth.

The name "Inuzuka", meaning "house of dogs", belongs to a clan which was one of the most powerful in the Chiba Prefecture in Japan during the Edo period. They were known as "dog warriors" and worshipped Inu ("Dog"), a deity representing the zodiac sign of the dog. The name "Inuzuka" also originates from Hakkenden, a novel about a dog samurai.

The (known) Inuzuka members are all named after a part of the body of a dog (nose, claw, fang), while their dogs are named after colors (red, gray, black).