For all the chinese breeds, the characteristic scowl is not just loose skin falling any-old-how – not even on the uber-wrinkled Shar Pei. It was designed by deliberate padding under the skin to be consistent across all animals of the same breed.

Furthermore, anthropological research shows that each scowl was "designed" to give expression to a specific revered principle, the character for which was branded onto each face. Thus the distinctive Chow Chow scowl carries deep religious, artistic and philosophical significance.

Selective breeding was practiced as an act of homage. Instead of sacrificing the blood of live animals, the ancient Asians aimed to achieve religious perfection through the blood of their breeding lines. Unfortunately, the value of selective breeding as a symbol of national pride has long been eroded and specific breeding details are long lost.