Aerden Setters takes its name from our street address, Arden Avenue. We are located in Edina, Minnesota — a southwestern suburb of Minneapolis.

I have owned English Setters for more than 25 years, starting out with a field English Setter. My first bench English Setter was a rescue dog named Mandy. Her wonderful personality won me over to the bench side before diabetes claimed her life. After researching several breeders I selected my first show puppy, Setter Ridge Stonecroft Sonnet (Emily) from Melissa Newman of Setter Ridge Kennels. I finished Emily myself, showing her to all of her points. I also put a CD title on her with three straight placements. At the time she was the high scoring champion of record at the Nationals. Emily retired to the couch before passing away in 2005.

My mom gave me my love of animals. It is with great sadness in my heart that she
passed away the summer of 08. Her favorite part of the dog world was getting to
love the babies.

Also from Setter Ridge Kennel, my second dog Meggie, Set’r Ridge Arden’s Spice Girl is the foundation of my breeding program. Meggie is a finished champion and has produced 4 litters for Aerden Setters. All of her offspring have tons of drive, beautiful side gaits and very pretty heads. With an entry of 26 and myself handling her she won the American Bred class at our National Specialty in California. One of my proudest moments as a breeder came at the 2002 Nationals — with three littermates showing they placed in 9 out of 12 classes. I continue to keep active in the show ring by attending as many specialties as possible and have attended nearly every National since 1997.

Aerden Setters selectively breeds 1 or 2 litters a year. Priority is given to temperament and all breeding stock is OFA certified and BAER normal. Puppies are raised in my home in a loving environment and handled extensively. All litters are BAER tested before sale. I am extremely proud of our dogs accomplishments and their quality.

— Laurie Engel