Desert Shadow Springers
- Phoenix, AZ
- Responds within a few days
Meet the breeder
I'm Demetri M., the breeder behind Desert Shadow Springers located in Phoenix, AZ. Springers have been in my family nearly a century—and by my side my whole life. W/ 30+ years of hands-on experience, I raise pups with a focus on health, temperament, and intelligence. All dogs are great, but theres no better breed for companionship, joy, and loyalty than an English Springer Spaniel.
Q. & A. with Demetri
Why did you start breeding?
Breeding was a natural progression after a lifetime with Springers. I was raised in a Springer-loving household and have never been without one. (When family gets together for a holiday, theres often a dozen springers running around waiting for food to drop). Over time, I became passionate about preserving and sharing the traits that make ESS so special—especially their hearts, minds, and drive.What makes your program special?
We raise our puppies in our home with hands-on care, early socialization, and an emphasis on health, temperament, structure, and intelligence. Each pup is vet-checked, started on very basic training, and matched thoughtfully with future families. This is about quality—not quantity—for us. We offer lifetime commitment and will help however we can and will always welcome our pups back if need be.What are the different breed coat colors in your program?
Our puppies are liver white and tan. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home.
Matched dogs
These dogs are already reserved or have gone home.
Prima Donna
Went homeFemale
Diva
Went homeFemale
Remi
Went homeMale
Jackpot
Went homeMale
Winchester
Went homeMale
Remington
Went homeMale
Cammo
Went homeMale
Payson
Went homeFemale
Hopper (aka River)
Went homeMale
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Pepper (aka Dewey)
Went homeMale
Doc (formerly known as Rio)
Went homeMale
Poppy (formerly Pima)
Went homeFemale
Jasper (aka Phoenix)
Went homeMale
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Chipper (previously known as Duncan)
Went homeMale
Cooper
Went homeMale
Pepper
Went homeFemale
Travis
Went homeMale
Maple
Went homeFemale
Finn
Went homeMale
Sawyer
Went homeMale
Getting a puppy from Demetri
Demetri has been certified by Good Dog’s screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you’re ready, reach out to ask about the puppies or anything else on your mind. You’ll get to know each other through messaging, phone, or video and pay securely, all on Good Dog.
Together, you’ll choose the puppy that’s right for you, stay in touch with regular updates, and plan how to bring your new puppy home.
Price
“Includes guarantee, Dews/Docking, Vet Exams, 1st/2nd shots, Deworming, ENS, Socialization, care package (microfiber towel w/ moms scent, toys, purina starter kit, AKC reg. & our cont'd support. Deposits are generally non-refundable, except in rare cases (e.g., gender not available based on waitlist position). May be transferred to a future litter.”
Contract & health guarantee
Demetri may provide a written contract or health guarantee when you purchase a puppy. This helps protect both you and your breeder, ensuring that you both have a clear understanding of the terms of your puppy purchase. If Demetri offers a contract or guarantee, the details will be personalized by them. If you have any questions or want to know more, don't hesitate to reach out to Demetri directly.
You’re protected
on Good Dog
When you pay and communicate on Good Dog, you’re covered by Payment Protection.
What's included
From Good Dog
- Lifetime support from Good Dog’s Care Team
- 10% lifetime discount on Figo pet insurance
- Puppy Training Program & private community
Enrichment & socialization
- Various sounds
- Car rides
- Surface & tactile stimulation
- Socialized with children
- Socialized in new places
- Daily handling
- Socialized with other dogs
- Introduced to people of different ages and appearances
Puppy health practices
- Vet check
- First round of shots and deworming
- Vet records
Extras
- Initial potty training
- Food & treats
- Blanket with mom & littermates’ scent
- Toys
- Puppy starter kit
Location & pick-up
You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Demetri.
Breeder's location
Meet in Phoenix, AZ
Other pick-up locations
Meet at Phoenix–Mesa Gateway Airport (formerly Williams AFB)
Meet in Tucson, AZ
More about Demetri
Demetri has been a member of Good Dog for about 1 year
Demetri was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2025.
Demetri is a trusted Good Dog breeder
Desert Shadow Springers meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:
- Responsible breeding practices
- Health of breeding dogs and puppies
- Puppy environment and enrichment
- Buyer education and policies
Litter and program updates
Demetri M.
Litter update on 17 Jan •…Clean whelping boxes are important to avoid parasites and to keep your house from smelling like a litter box but clean boxes never stay clean for long .. they are professional mess makers. 15 minutes after placing them back in the whelping box and the puppy pads/newspapers will be saturated and shredded to pieces lol. Then you put new ones in and they immediately all have to go pee again. It’s never ending.
Scout and Josephine's litter
Demetri M.
Litter update on 12 Jan •…Warm enough today to let the puppies experience the outside world.. their world just got a whole lot bigger and they’re not sure how they feel about it just yet. Hope they appreciate all the trouble it took to get that winder lawn ready for them.. (instead of a dormant Bermuda lawn that’s no fun to play on).
Scout and Josephine's litter
Demetri M.
Litter update on 03 Jan •…Arguably the most adorable stage is this stage when they are first learning to walk, run, and do dog things (like growl and bark). It makes you wonder what exactly they dream about before they’ve experienced life because it sure looks like they are running and jumping and barking sometimes.
Scout and Josephine's litter
Demetri M.
Litter update on 01 Jan •Happy new year! Pups are starting the weening process and they are discovering their voices to let me know how they feel about it lol.
Scout and Josephine's litter
Demetri M.
Litter update on 29 Dec 2025 •Gruel time then bedtime… for a couple hours. I sure do miss sleeping.
Scout and Josephine's litter
Demetri M.
Litter update on 28 Dec 2025 •Almost 3 weeks old. Adorable little monsters.
Scout and Josephine's litter
Demetri M.
Litter update on 24 Dec 2025 •2 weeks old as of Monday… they grow like weeds
Scout and Josephine's litter
Demetri M.
Litter update on 19 Dec 2025 •…Scout: “Where the heck did they all come from.. did I do that?!” Josie:”yes, you did that and yet I have to do all the work!” Scout: “Can I play with them?! Please please please can I play with them?!” Josie: “If you even think about going in that box I’ll bite it off. Once they’re out of the box, they’re yours and I’m done” (What you can’t hear is the almost inaudible growl Josie does when scout peeks in the box.. she thinks I don’t hear it and she knows when I do she gets in trouble). 🤣
Scout and Josephine's litter
Demetri M.
Litter update on 25 Nov 2025 •…It’s now confirmed by our vet via ultrasound that Josephine is indeed pregnant. We wanted to confirm that it wasn’t a false pregnancy. The vet had a hard time seeing due to Josephine’s excitement meeting new people but she said she saw at least 4 pups and there’s likely more. Both of our previous litters she had 5 males and two females (14 pups all together). Puppies are due around 12/8/25 give or take a couple days!
Scout and Josephine's litter
Demetri M.
Litter update on 20 July 2025 •…It’s always a bittersweet feeling when the pups leave the pack. In my opinion, it’s one of the hardest parts of breeding. We bring these pups into the world and care for them around the clock for over 10 weeks. It’s impossible not to form a bond with each and every one of them. The night before the first pup goes home is especially tough. Watching them all sleep together one last time—with mom and dad beside them—knowing they have no idea that this will be their last night as a complete pack… it breaks my heart every time. Most of them will never see each other, or us, again. Even after doing this for a while, it never gets easier. I’m not afraid to admit that I still have to fight back tears with every goodby… a battle I frequently lose. All we can do is trust that we’ve chosen the right families and homes for them. Good Dog has certainly helped make that easier. We said goodbye to five of our pups last week, and the remaining two are scheduled for pickup by Wednesday. The nest will be empty, and the house will feel a little too quiet. To those of you who’ve sent photos and videos—thank you. We truly appreciate the updates. Please know that you’re never bothering us. We love seeing how our pups are doing and how loved they are. We’re always here for you and for them. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything
Scout and Josephine's litter
Parent dogs
Scout, dad
English Springer Spaniel
About Scout
Scout is the epitome of the English Springer Spaniel—sweet-tempered, eager to please, and endlessly loyal. He’s a devoted sidekick who thrives on praise and connection, always ready to perform in hopes of earning your attention. One of the first things people notice—aside from his affectionate nature—is his stunning coat: thick, straight, and still puppy-soft. His natural instincts are exceptional, making training both enjoyable and rewarding. Scout’s first litter produced happy, healthy, thriving pups, and he’s truly proven himself to be an all-star sire. Watching him with his puppies is heart-melting—he’s playful, gentle, and incredibly patient with all their antics. Scout is registered with the AKC.
Good health testing
Optimal Selection Genetic Disease Analysis (180+ Diseases).
Josephine, mom
English Springer Spaniel
About Josephine
Josephine (Josie) is the undeniable boss of the house—wickedly smart, confidently independent, yet deeply affectionate when it counts. She has one of the best noses I’ve ever seen on a dog. And yes, I know everyone says that—but not every dog locates a ball placed on top of a ladder and then climbs the ladder to retrieve it, completely unprompted (I have the video to prove it!). Josie is a total people-dog. At the park, she makes a point of greeting every human there, paying little mind to the other dogs. As a mother, she has been exceptional—attentive, nurturing, and calm. Every one of her puppies has gone to a loving home, and their new families consistently share how healthy, smart, and well-adjusted their pups are. They have all said they couldn’t imagine a better addition to their lives and have commented about how smart and instinctive they are in the field (One of them stating he's "never had a better bird dog!").
Parent health testing
Good level
Desert Shadow Springers reports to performing the health tests below on their breeding dogs. Ask your breeder about the tests performed on the parents of your litter. Learn more about health testing for English Springer Spaniels.
DNA Disease Panel
Genetic testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide variety of hereditary diseases of differing prevalence and severity such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (an eye disease) and Von Willebrand's Disease (a blood disease).
Verified owner stories
Hear what other owners say about working with Demetri to bring home their puppies.
Stephen M.
Verified owner · May 2026
+7I want to share my Desert Shadow Springers puppy story here because it has been such a special, positive, successful one! I’m sure there are a lot of good breeders in the U.S. – in fact I had a good experience with a breeder in WA state about 20 years ago when I had my first English Springer Spaniel. But there is something very unique and special about Demetri (owner of Desert Shadow Springers) and the way he cares for his puppies. It’s extremely personal to him – almost as if each puppy is a child to him. He even mentioned that he “cries a little” each time he gives a puppy away. From the way he interacts with his puppies, I would expect this reaction; he is super dedicated and loving to all of them. I met my English Springer Spaniel, Sawyer, on February 11th, 2025. Sawyer has 4 brothers and 1 sister. All were available to see on the visit, and it was clear from the moment I arrived - all were super healthy, active, and happy. Four of them immediately decided they wanted my sandal laces as a snack. Whatever it takes for me to get attention – I’ll take it! The father, Scout is a very active with all of his puppies and he led them, running with all his little ones around the large grass yard for the entire time I was there (the mother, Josephine was there too) - the play-time energy and joy from all the dogs was so such much fun to see and super exciting to witness because this meant I would most likely have a well-balanced, socialized dog who would be comfortable around other dogs. This has proven to be the case! He is amazing around people and other dogs and rarely barks. I mean almost never. Pretty cool. Also, I have to say, Demetri is about as dedicated to his puppies as I could imagine. His care and affection is so evident when you see his interaction with each puppy and the parents. He even said a couple of times, “if you ever need to return Sawyer, I’ll take him”. This is not something I would literally see as a contractual commitment from him – and I would never return Sawyer, but I bet he would do everything possible to help me if I ever had a need of any kind with Sawyer. I guess I'll say a few words regarding ego - Sawyer is such a beautiful dog - amazing lines, wonderful posture, incredible temperament, and because of all of this, he gets so much attention from everyone - this makes me extremely proud, and yes, it very effectively strokes my ego. There, I said it. So... if I ever need another Springer, I will go out of my way regardless of where I live in the U.S. to get in line for another one from Demetri. Top notch, quality puppies, and a lot of care and love mixed in, with the very positive experience to work with an honest individual and business. Thanks, Demetri and Desert Shadow Springers. Welcome, Sawyer!
David S.
Verified owner · Mar. 2026
+4Demetri did an excellent job. He spent quite a bit of time training 7 puppies, and the results shows
Ryann G.
Verified owner · Feb. 2026
We had such a great experience with Demetri at Desert Shadow Springers. He was easy to communicate with, very responsive, and you can tell he really cares about his dogs. After we reserved Cooper, he sent regular pictures and videos, and allowed let us meet Cooper before bringing him home. Demetri was very accommodating the whole time. We would absolutely recommend Desert Shadow Springers.
Casey B.
Verified owner · Apr. 2026
Demetri was great to work with in finding my puppy, maple! We were working from a far as I live several states away, however, he answered all of my questions very thoroughly and sent me lots of photos and videos about the litter and their development along the way. We were able to coordinate the pick up easily and he even gave me some great advice about the road trip home with my new dog, which was very helpful. Good Dog made the process very easy, especially all of the formalities like payment, and I am so happy that I found my sweet girl through both Good Dog and Demetri. Highly recommend!
Debbie W.
Verified owner · Feb. 2026
Desert Shadows Springers is the best! Beautiful website and logo! Demetri is the best breeder I have worked with, I had a springer years ago. Demetri loves the breed and knows his stuff. He is open to helping all along the way. I’m sure we will stay in touch! His dogs and puppies are beautiful.
JWJarrad W.
Verified owner · July 2025
+5We had an absolutely wonderful experience working with Demetri at Desert Shadow Springers. From the very beginning, he was honest, helpful, and incredibly responsive with answering all of our questions with care and patience. What meant the most to us were the weekly updates, videos, and pictures he sent of our puppy. It truly felt like we were part of the journey and didn’t miss out on those precious early days. When we went to meet our puppy, we got to see the whole family—mom, dad, and the entire litter. Every single puppy was absolutely beautiful, and honestly, you couldn’t go wrong no matter which one you chose. The love and care Demetri puts into raising them was clear, as well has his passion for the breed. Our puppy has been amazing!! He has such a sweet temperament, and we’re already completely in love with him. In fact, we had such a positive experience that my parents ended up getting a puppy from the same litter too! So now the two brothers get to have frequent play dates. We’re so grateful for the experience and would recommend Demetri and Desert Shadow Springers to anyone looking for a happy, healthy, and well-loved springer spaniel pup. Thank you, Demetri!
