Inuzuka Clan


 * Known Members: Kiba Inuzuka, Tsume Inuzuka, Hana Inuzuka, Unnamed Father of Hana and Kiba

The Inuzuka clan is known for their use of dogs (some clan members prefer wolves) 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 worshiped 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).