The American Heart Association is capitalizing on the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show's 150th anniversary to promote its message of achieving 150 minutes of weekly physical activity, highlighting research that demonstrates how dog ownership supports heart-healthy habits. With heart disease projected to increase substantially, the timing coincides with both Westminster Week and the beginning of American Heart Month, creating a natural platform to address concerning statistics showing only 1 in 4 U.S. adults meet national physical activity guidelines.
Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association, emphasized the connection between the anniversary and health goals. "For 150 years, Westminster has celebrated the special connection between people and their dogs - a bond we know can inspire healthier, more active lives," Brown said. "We also hope this historic anniversary serves as a reminder to aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity each week to support heart and brain health."
Research supports the health benefits of pet ownership, with studies indicating dog owners are more likely to meet daily activity recommendations and experience lower stress levels, improved mood, and stronger emotional resilience. Glenn N. Levine, M.D., FAHA, a volunteer medical expert for the American Heart Association and lead author of the Association's scientific statement on pet ownership and cardiovascular risk, noted that "having a pet has been shown to decrease levels of stress, boost happiness and encourage heart-healthy habits like regular physical activity."
The Association's initiative aligns with Westminster's celebration of the human-canine bond. Donald Sturz, Ph.D., president of The Westminster Kennel Club, stated, "As we celebrate the extraordinary role dogs play in our lives upon the Westminster Dog Show's sesquicentennial, we are proud to support the American Heart Association's efforts to highlight how our canine companions inspire healthy habits and hearts." The research indicates pets support heart-healthy behaviors through increased movement from daily walks and play, stress relief and mood improvement, enhanced social connection, and encouragement of healthier habits overall.
While the Association encourages everyone to aim for 150 minutes of weekly movement, they emphasize that pet ownership isn't required to participate. "Dogs have a natural way of getting us up and moving," Levine said. "That shared activity is good for their well-being and ours as well." For those seeking guidance on incorporating more physical activity, the Association provides resources at heart.org/pets with tips and inspiration for building healthy habits.
The timing of this health message coincides with the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show taking place January 31 and February 2-3, 2026, in New York City. Viewing schedules are available at westminsterkennelclub.org/viewing-schedule. Additional resources from the American Heart Association include information on physical activity through their Move More Everyday initiative and detailed guidelines at How much physical activity do you need?
