I know a breeder who is working towards the "older" style mastiff. He is working toward solid dogs with heavy bone and that have a decent lifespan and good health that is seriously lacking in so many lines of neos right now.
Neos seemed to have taken a drastic change in the 80s. I've seen picks of neos in the 70s and they are more athletic and lighter build.
I also think the akc acceptance didn't help the breed much either. There are judges out there who are elevating dogs that shouldn't be.
Personally i prefer the heavier boned, low built neos of Italy. They didn't have all the wrinkles but were a solid, ulitarian breed.
our male has cane corso in him and has made a much leaner dog without all the skin issues and cherry eye etc that occurs in the droopier skinned neos. But as mentioned above, these dogs that are having other breeds crossed in, can't be registered and to some people that piece of paper seems to be the end all be all.
Truth is, akc will register a 3 legged blind and deaf blue dog if its parents are registered. I dont put so much stock in the paperwork as i do the quality And usefulness of the dog.