But being fast and energetic is not the be-all and end-all for a working sheep dog, even if it is a decent place to start.

Fortunately, Jet looks to have all the other attributes and owner Adrian Ryan is confident he will settle down pretty quickly.

Adrian started training Jet as a 16-week-old pup. That was four months ago. Even so, Adrian has already seen plenty to like in the black and tan pure-bred kelpie.

“He’s got a great nature. He is very friendly and eager to please,” Adrian said.

“He’s also got plenty of natural ability, and the more natural ability they have, the better their chances are.

“I like to train them individually, rather than with other dogs. I prefer to do it that way and let their natural instincts kick in. If you train them with other dogs, they can pick up bad habits from other dogs.”

Adrian bought Jet from Vite Vite kelpie stud owner Gary Sharrock. Jet’s breeding is pretty impressive, out of champion trial dog Able Alby. Jet’s grandfather (Alby’s father) Karrobar Sergeant was also a national champion, as was his great grandmother Karrobar Gin and his great grandfather Karrobar Moss.

Jet’s mother Able Kate has an impeccable bloodline as well.

Part of what makes a good station and trial dog is breeding. The other is training and, while Adrian would love to enter Jet in the inaugural Dean and District Yard Sheep Dog Trials in March, time is likely to be against him.

“He’ll probably pull up too young for that,” Adrian said.

“I have another dog, Tucker, bred by Joe Spicer, who will be good to go for that.”