The American Heart Association is using the milestone 150th anniversary of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show to amplify its public health message about physical activity. With heart disease projected to increase substantially, the Association emphasizes that the call to get 150 minutes or more of physical activity each week has never been more critical. This initiative coincides with the iconic competition in New York City, which begins on January 31, 2026, the eve of American Heart Month.
Recent statistics from the American Heart Association reveal a concerning trend: only 1 in 4 U.S. adults, approximately 25.3%, meet national physical activity guidelines. Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association, stated that the historic anniversary of Westminster serves as a reminder to aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly to support heart and brain health. She noted that dogs have a remarkable way of making healthy routines more enjoyable, building on the 150-year celebration of the bond between people and their pets.
Research supports the connection between pet ownership and cardiovascular health. Studies indicate that pets can support heart-healthy routines and overall well-being. Dog owners are more likely to meet daily activity recommendations and may 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, explained that having a pet has been shown to decrease stress, boost happiness, and encourage heart-healthy habits like regular physical activity. For more detailed information on this research, visit https://www.heart.org/pets.
The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, taking place January 31 and February 2–3, 2026, showcases the powerful human-canine bond, which research suggests supports heart-healthy behaviors in several ways. These include promoting more movement through daily walks and play, providing stress relief and mood enhancement, fostering social connections that help build community, and encouraging healthier habits through outdoor time and active fun. Donald Sturz, Ph.D., president of The Westminster Kennel Club, expressed pride in supporting the American Heart Association's efforts to highlight how canine companions inspire healthy habits and hearts. The full viewing schedule for the event is available at https://www.westminsterkennelclub.org/viewing-schedule.
The American Heart Association encourages everyone to participate in a simple challenge: aim for a little movement each day, letting it accumulate to 150 minutes weekly, with even short walks counting. While pets can help motivate activity, participation does not require pet ownership. Levine emphasized that dogs naturally encourage shared activity, benefiting both human and animal well-being. The Association provides additional resources on physical activity, including guidance on how much activity is needed, accessible through their platforms. For families and pet owners, the Association notes that decisions about bringing an animal into the home should be based on a long-term commitment to the pet's care and well-being, ensuring that the relationship supports sustainable health benefits for all involved.
