Jeremy Grills

In the scenic countryside of King’s Plain, New South Wales, Jeremy Grills has carved out a respected name in both the Angus cattle and working dog communities. As the man behind Eaglehawk Angus and Working Dogs, Jeremy’s journey from a farm boy to a leading figure in the working dog world reflects his dedication, passion, and love for rural life. 

Jeremy’s connection to farming runs deep. Growing up on the eastern side of Guyra, he was immersed in rural life from an early age. “I’ve sort of always wanted to do it,” he says, reflecting on his childhood.  

It was during these early years that his fascination with working dogs began to take root. “I remember Dad used to go out mustering, and I’d run beside the quad like I thought I was a dog,” he recalls, laughing. “I didn’t ride a bike or anything—just sat on the back with the dogs, watching them work.” His admiration for the way dogs could lead and control livestock was clear even then, laying the foundation for what would become his future career. 

Like many young men growing up on farms, Jeremy faced the question of whether to pursue a trade or follow his passion for farming. “Dad wanted me to get a trade,” Jeremy explains. “I tried my hand at welding, worked as a boilermaker for a while, but it wasn’t for me. Once I went north, there was no looking back.” His travels took him to the northern regions of Australia, where he worked as a contractor under renowned cattleman Shane Templeton, managing cattle on a large scale. But it wasn’t until his return to Rockvale Farms that Jeremy’s passion for working dogs truly took off. 

“I didn’t have working dogs until I started at Rockvale,” Jeremy admits. “Before that, I had a few pig dogs and dogs that could catch bulls, but no real working dogs.” It was at Rockvale that Jeremy got his first real taste of working with dogs trained specifically for livestock handling. His first dog, a blue cattle dog named Blue, quickly became his right-hand companion. “She could lead a mob of cows and do just about anything,” Jeremy recalls fondly. 

This hands-on approach with both livestock and dogs became Jeremy’s signature style. Today, at Eaglehawk Angus and Working Dogs, his day revolves around managing cattle, assessing heifers for AuctionsPlus, and training his team of dogs. Jeremy’s efforts have paid off, with his dogs consistently topping sales at the RMA Working Dog Auctions for three consecutive years. His reputation for breeding and training dogs that are both practical and efficient has garnered him a loyal following of buyers seeking reliable working dogs. 

“I’ve always loved dogs,” Jeremy explains. “They teach you more than you realise. A good dog can make a tough job seem easy.” His philosophy is grounded in simplicity: working dogs should do their job without fuss or flair. “People want a dog that can move a mob of cattle or sheep through a gate, get them to the yards, and do it simply,” he says, summarizing the essence of what makes a good working dog. 

One of Jeremy’s standout dogs is Twisty, a strong yellow kelpie known for his reliable work ethic. “When I went from collies to kelpies, it took me a long time to find a strong kelpie that still had a good big punch,” Jeremy says. “I bought Twisty as a young dog, intending to trade him, but he’s never left. He’s about five now and just a good, solid, honest dog. He’ll back sheep, bite a cow, and never let you down.” 

Twisty’s legacy lives on through many of Jeremy’s current dogs, including Tarko, another yellow kelpie from the same line. “Most of the dogs I have are either by Twisty or out of something by him,” Jeremy says. His breeding program is focused on producing dogs with strong instincts, solid temperaments, and the ability to handle the demands of daily farm work. 

For Jeremy, success in the sales ring isn’t just about getting the highest price—it’s about maintaining his hard-earned reputation. “The dogs I put in a sale are dogs I’d be willing to keep at home,” he explains. “You can lose your name overnight if you sell a bad one, so every dog I sell is one I’d have no trouble working with myself.” 

This emphasis on quality has earned Jeremy the trust of many buyers, who appreciate his approach to training and selecting dogs. “A lot of the dogs I’ve sold were misfits that didn’t suit someone else’s program,” he shares. “But when you bring them home, give them a chance, and let them work, they often prove themselves in ways you didn’t expect.” 

Jeremy’s keen eye for spotting potential in a dog is what sets him apart. Whether it’s a pup from his own breeding program or a dog picked up for training, his ability to bring out the best in each animal has been key to his success. His advice to newcomers in the working dog world is to be patient and start with strong foundations. “You’ve got to start with a dog that has natural instinct,” he says. “From there, it’s about giving them the right environment to succeed.” 

Despite his successes, Jeremy remains humble, emphasizing the importance of the bond between a dog and its handler. “A dog has to want to work for you,” he says. “You can’t force it. If a dog doesn’t respect you, it won’t work properly. It’s like a partnership—you’ve got to have that connection.” 

While trialing isn’t his main focus, Jeremy enjoys watching good dogs perform in trials. “I love watching good dogs work,” he says. “Even though I don’t compete much, there’s always something to learn.”  

For now, Jeremy Grills remains dedicated to his life on the farm, surrounded by the animals he loves and his family. His dogs—hardworking, reliable, and loyal—are a testament to his passion for the craft. And as long as there’s cattle to muster and dogs to train, Jeremy will be there, leading the way with his trusty team of working dogs by his side.