Desert Shadow Springers
- Phoenix, AZ
- Responds within a few days
Upcoming litters
Expected English Springer Spaniel litter
Due Dec. 2025
Ready Feb. 15, 2026
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
Pepper (aka Dewey)
Went homeMale
Doc (formerly known as Rio)
Went homeMale
Poppy (formerly Pima)
Went homeFemale
Jasper (aka Phoenix)
Went homeMale
Chipper (previously known as Duncan)
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 to reach out, feel free to ask any questions about the breed, their program, or specific puppies.
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
Puppy prices include a $500 non-refundable deposit and between $1,200 - $1,400 final payment, before taxes & fees.
Pay over time with Klarna.
“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.
Always communicate and pay on Good Dog.Learn more
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
- AKC registration
- 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 7 months
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 25 Nov. •…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 •…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
Demetri M.
Litter update on 30 May •…Puppy’s first time experiencing grass today.. second attempt with puppy gruel/mush. (Milk replacement powdered formula + warm h2O + puppy food blended). Needless to say they always go swimming in it and end up getting more on them than in them but it won’t be long before they figure it out. Moms starting the weaning process since their teeth are emerging and their nails are quite sharp. She’s been pretty great overall and now dad’s happy he gets to lick the mush off the pups when they’re done.
Scout and Josephine's litter
Demetri M.
Litter update on 26 May •…And then there was one.. Phoenix is surprisingly still available but won’t be for long, I’m sure. Puppies were dewormed today. And boisterous they are becoming. So ferocious.. I wouldn’t wanna fight em.. 😂
Scout and Josephine's litter
Demetri M.
Litter update on 22 May •…Isn’t funny how one moment they can’t be bothered.. “we are so exhausted, human. It’s a tough job being a milk fiend.” Then not 10 seconds later they’re scooting around that box like little nascar drivers driving bumper cars… Raising a litter of puppies is more work than many people realize but one thing is for sure, beats the heck out of being in an office. 2 weeks has gone by so quickly. Only 3 boys still available.. Phoenix (orange), River (blue) and Dewey (the one with the decimal/dot on his head — yellow).
Scout and Josephine's litter
Demetri M.
Litter update on 17 May •Pupdate: At just 11 days old these pups are due to open their eyes anytime now!
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
Breeder-Reported 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.
- JW
Jarrad 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!
Kat W.
Verified owner · July 2025
+6We are so happy with our sweet little pup Pepper. Demetri was very helpful and knowledgeable about English Springer Spaniels and kept us updated as the pups were doing before it was time to pick them up. He is a beautiful little guy and is happy and thriving. Thank you to Demetri and Desert Shadow Springers for our little Pepper!
