As an Independence Day "Happy Birthday America" tribute to all immigrants, on the 4th of July, meet Griet, a South African immigrant to Northeast Ohio who has certainly done her part to grow the American economy... and Boerboel population. Long story short, Griet has come out of retirement and is expecting a litter of baby Boerboels around July 8th... in the middle of a heatwave.

I guess it may remind her of the weather in her native Africa. She is the real deal.

She is also one of the coolest, sweetest dogs I have ever met - I can't recommend this breed highly enough.

Without Dutch, French and British human and canine immigrants to Africa, the South African Boerboel would not exist. And without migration from Africa to Northeast Ohio of our delightful adopted South African immigrant friend Griet, America would have lots fewer Boerboels - Griet has had three large litters of spectacular puppies, expanding in North America the presence of one of the greatest breeds of large dogs in the world (although I am still partial toward Cane Corsos, right below... Griet left).

I'll be sure to share some interesting coverage of the arrival and development of her next Boerboel Invasion.

More on Griet and her upcoming litter on the breeder's website - we are Griet's retirement home, and she has come out of retirement.

Here are some other photos of Griet and her puppies from her last litter... they were amazing...

From Wikipedia, about the South African Boerboel:

The Boerboel is a large, mastiff breed of dog which is originally from South Africa. The word "Boerboel" derives from "boer", the Afrikaans/Dutch word for "farmer.” Boerboel, therefore, translates as either "farmer's dog" or "Boer's dog."

There is a lengthy history of the Boerboel in South Africa, where the dog was bred for the purpose of guarding the homestead. These dogs were often a first line of defense against predators and were valuable in tracking and holding down wounded game. Old farmers told many tales of the strength, agility, and courage of the Boerboel.

While it is uncertain from which breeds the dog originated, it is thought that the dog was derived from interbreeding indigenous African species with breeds brought into South Africa from Dutch, French, and British settlers.

The protective character of the Boerboel is today still evident and is much sought after, as is the calm, stable, and confident composure of the breed. The Boerboel is the most protective dog breed that is not aggressive. The dogs are obedient and intelligent and have strong territorial instincts. The Boerboel remains the guarding breed of choice amongst current day farmers and is very popular for the same reason in urban communities.