After graduating college, I looked for employment locally but, with limited opportunities in the UP, I settled in the lower peninsula.  It has always been my desire to return to the North Country where I grew up.  However, in 2002, I went back home for a week in February to help my mom and dad after my mom had open heart surgery.  I experienced the severity of the UP winters that I hadn’t in many years.  My desire to return to temperatures of well below zero, for days on end, just wasn't there.  So I decided to stay in the lower peninsula and the Caro area.

One of the wonders of Michigan, to me, is the Mackinac Bridge which is the link between the two peninsulas.  Michigan is a beautiful state and a great place to live!  This bridge makes moving between peninsulas much easier; in the old days, you had to take a ferry across!  My caption "Bridging the gap between the heart and soul of God's country" is how I feel about this beautiful state in which I live.

When looking for a foundation bitch, many breeders were contacted from all over the country. We were not able to find anyone that had any puppies available (at least not for us) because we were not a name that anyone knew.  However, I did have a wonderful conversation with Barbara Gilchrist of Blackthorn Labradors who gave me the opportunity to explain what my goals were and how we wanted to accomplish them. After all, we were a non entity in the breeding world, a total unknown. She listened and gave me an opportunity to own a Blackthorn dog. After many phone calls and emails, Barb called with an offer of a puppy. I obviously accepted!  I met Barb for the first time at the Labrador retriever specialty show of the Potomac in Fredrick, Maryland. I was thrilled to finally meet this woman who really took a chance with a no name person in the Labrador breeding world. I really am indebted to Barb. Since that time we have had many conversations and emails about all sorts of breeding concerns. She has graciously shared her wisdom and experience with me. I can honestly say that when Barb speaks, I listen. Her suggestions and experience are invaluable to us. We are extremely fortunate to be mentored by such a respected person and breeder.

We want to thank to all the breeders who have helped us along the way, especially to Barb Gilchrist of Blackthorn Labradors, Marion Daniel of Mar-Moye Labradors and Jenny Mitchell of Tealwood Labradors.   Without their wonderful guidance, teaching and mentoring we would not have been able to bring North Country to fruition. 

In 2004, North Country became a partnership!  On September 18, 2004 I married my best friend, (who is a local woman from the thumb) and entered in a lifetime partnership as well as a business one.  Judy has been invaluable to me in life and in this wonderful hobby!  She is the official mom to the puppies, the official photographer and all around executive assistant, who could ask for more! 

I hope you enjoy your visit to our website.  If we can be of assistance in any way, please feel free to contact me at dnepper@centurytel.net.

God Bless!

Dennis and Judy Nepper

Responsibly Bred

Our commitment is to quality all-purpose, English type Labrador Retrievers, bred for show, obedience, hunting, therapy dogs, service dogs and, most of all, wonderful, easy to live with family companions.  We strive to improve our Labradors with each generation.  Our dogs are selectively bred with careful consideration made to ensure our puppies will have exceptional temperaments.  We test all of our dogs for their orthopedic hip/elbow clearances and have annual CERF eye exams.

Lovingly Raised

Our puppies are born and raised in our home, giving them lots of socializaation, family activity and that special love and care they deserve.  Most importantly, our dogs are a part of our family.

Prospective Homes and Limited Registration Agreement

Prospective homes are carefully screened, so please be prepared for our "inquisition"!  We truly CARE where our puppies go and what kind of life they live.  All our puppies are sold on AKC limited registration.  For more information on limited registration, please visit the AKC website at:  www.akc.org/reg/limitedreg.cfm.