The American Heart Association is using the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show's 150th anniversary to promote a critical public health message: aim for 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week. This initiative comes as heart disease is projected to increase substantially, and only about 25.3% of U.S. adults currently meet national physical activity guidelines. The timing coincides with the start of American Heart Month in February.
Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association, emphasized the connection between the milestone and the health recommendation. "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 role pets can play in cardiovascular health. Studies indicate dog owners are more likely to meet daily activity recommendations and can experience lower stress levels, improved mood, and stronger emotional resilience. Glenn N. Levine, M.D., FAHA, a volunteer medical expert for the Association and lead author of its scientific statement on pet ownership and cardiovascular risk, noted, "Having a pet has been shown to decrease levels of stress, boost happiness and encourage heart-healthy habits like regular physical activity."
The Association outlines several ways pets may support heart-healthy behaviors, including encouraging more movement through daily walks and play, providing stress relief and mood boosts, fostering social connections that build community, and nudging owners toward outdoor time and active fun. 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 public is encouraged to participate in a simple challenge: aim for movement each day that adds up to 150 minutes weekly, with short walks counting toward the goal. While pets can help, they are not 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 guidance on adding more physical activity, the Association provides resources at heart.org/pets.
The Association notes that while pets can support healthier routines, decisions about pet ownership should be based on a long-term commitment to the animal's care. The 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show takes place January 31 and February 2–3, 2026, in New York City. The full viewing schedule is available at westminsterkennelclub.org/viewing-schedule. Additional American Heart Association resources on physical activity can be found through its Move More Everyday initiative and its guidelines on how much physical activity you need.
