Now as for working style...they are laid back, perfect for ranching or in cutblocks, very much like collies, smooth or rough for that matter...kelpies like to drop the head, and i have a few coolies that do but most are straight up workers...eyes out is never a problem for them, therefor working stock without too much predotory feel, makes for smoother moving...I have dogs that love ranch work but not so much trial work, and then i have dogs that work great for both but do better for ranch work because getting the job done fast is not necesarily a priority for them. I like that for ranch work, who wants to be stressed and pressured when doing morning or evening chores...not me...lol
So for trial work i train dogs with more eye and crawl for more speed.
The ease in training i think is what sets them apart from other breeds, they do not lock on so are more influenceable during the training moments, they are more laid back so are not looking to rush sheep past, thru or over you lol...and they are independent so do amazing with more europeing style herding, perimeter work more less, like the old fashion GSD...they will work a ditch line for grazing without fences with little to no direction at all