Tartan MIS-identification?

[Clockwork John]

I get around this sort of thing by never asking, "is that 'x' tartan?" Or, "Is your dog of 'x' breed?" Instead, I ask, "What tartan is that?" and if it turns out to be what I thought it was, I'll say, "Oh, I thought so. Here's an interesting thing I know about that..."

I'll do that even if I think I know beyond a doubt what tartan (or breed of dog) I'm looking at. It's less presumptuous, and I've been known to be wrong on occasion.

That's a really good approach. It can potentially save all parties involved alot of embarrassment.