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) by 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 by overthrowing its previous ruler. He also executes the previous ruler's wife, who curses his family; her spirit later possesses a foundling puppy, whom Yoshizane adopts and names Yatsufusa...