NEW YORK, NY - January 30, 2026 (NEWMEDIAWIRE) - With heart disease projected to increase substantially, the call to get 150 minutes or more of physical activity each week has never mattered more. The American Heart Association is elevating that message nationwide and encouraging people to walk more with their pooches as the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show celebrates 150 years of the powerful bond between people and their pets.

As the iconic competition gets underway in New York City on Jan. 31 - the eve of American Heart Month – the Association, devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, is offering journalists and fans a timely wellness angle for Westminster Week: make 150 minutes of movement a weekly habit. Unfortunately, according to the most recent statistics issued by the Association last week, only 1 in 4 (25.3%) of U.S. adults meet national physical activity guidelines.

“For 150 years, Westminster has celebrated the special connection between people and their dogs - a bond we know can inspire healthier, more active lives,” said Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association. “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. Everyone can take a simple step toward better health, and dogs have a remarkable way of making healthy routines even more enjoyable.”

Dogs, daily movement and heart‑healthy habits

As dog lovers have long suspected, research studies demonstrate pets can support heart-healthy routines and overall well‑being. In fact, studies suggest that your four-legged friend may help you do better after a heart attack or stroke and may help you live a longer, healthier life, since dog owners are more likely to meet daily activity recommendations and can experience lower stress levels, improved mood and stronger emotional resilience.

“Having a pet has been shown to decrease levels of stress, boost happiness and encourage heart-healthy habits like regular physical activity,” said 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.

Westminster Week and heart health

For a century and a half, Westminster has proudly showcased extraordinary dogs, and the people who love them. That bond is often more than emotional. Research indicates pets may support their humans’ heart‑healthy behaviors in several important ways:

• More movement: Daily walks and play help build consistent routines.
• Stress relief & mood: Time with pets can reduce stress and boost well-being.
• Social connection: Dogs help people meet neighbors and build community.
• Healthier habits: Pets nudge us toward outdoor time, structure and active fun.

“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,” said Donald Sturz, Ph.D., president of The Westminster Kennel Club. “For 150 years, The Westminster Kennel Club has worked to enhance the lives of dogs. This call to action is a powerful reminder of how much dogs enhance our lives, inspiring emotional and physical well-being from the inside out.”

The American Heart Association encourages everyone enjoying the competition to try a simple challenge:

Aim for a little movement each day and let it add up to 150 minutes each week. Even short walks count. Pets can help, but you don’t need one 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 more guidance on adding more physical activity to your schedule, visit heart.org/pets to sign up for tips and inspiration to move more and build healthy habits with your best furry friend.

Helpful guidance for families and pet owners

While pets can be wonderful companions that support healthier routines, decisions about bringing an animal into the home should be based on a long-term commitment to the pet’s care and well-being.

The 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show takes place January 31 and February 2–3, 2026, in New York City. For the full viewing schedule, visit westminsterkennelclub.org/viewing-schedule.

Additional Resources:

• Available multimedia is on right column of release link
• American Heart Association Healthy Bond for Life
• American Heart Association information on physical activity: Move More Everyday
• How much physical activity do you need? | American Heart Association
• Follow American Heart Association news on X @HeartNews

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

About The Westminster Kennel Club

Established in 1877, The Westminster Kennel Club is America's oldest organization dedicated to the sport of dogs. It hosts the iconic, all-breed Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show - the second-longest continuously held sporting event in the United States, following the Kentucky Derby, and the longest nationally televised live dog show since 1948.

The Club’s mission is to enhance the lives of all dogs by celebrating the human-canine bond and promoting responsible dog ownership and breed preservation. Westminster advocates for purpose-bred dogs, recognizing that each breed carries a unique legacy that deserves to be taught, honored, and preserved.

Westminster Week centers around the prestigious conformation competition, open exclusively to elite dogs with Champion status, to compete for the coveted Best in Show title. Westminster’s Masters Agility Championship, alongside other canine skills competitions, welcomes dogs of all backgrounds - including mixed breeds - to showcase their speed, precision, and teamwork. Drawing top dogs, handlers, and judges from across the globe, the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is an international celebration of canine excellence. Learn more at westminsterkennelclub.org. WESTMINSTER. There's only one.®

For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173

Johnny Johnson: johnny.johnson@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org

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