Survey reveals healthier lifestyle for those with dogs

The Kennel Club (KC) has revealed that dog owners are three times more likely to be in-shape than those who do not own a dog.

Commissioned as part of the club's Get Fit with Fido campaign, which promotes finding enjoyable ways for dogs and their owners to exercise together, the research has highlighted some interesting statistics.

It was revealed that a quarter on non-pet owners and almost 20 per cent of cat owners admit to never exercising, compared with just 12 per cent of dog owners.

The survey also revealed that half of non-pet owners are overweight, compared to just 40 per cent of people who own a dog.

Get Fit with Fido was launched by the KC in 2008, in response to a rise in pet and owner obesity, and has been supported throughout by exercise guru Rosemary Conley.

"It is shocking to see that so many people not only fail to exercise daily but many are failing to exercise at all," she said.

"Too many people see exercise as a chore, but dog owners can enjoy spending quality time walking their dog, or taking part in sports such as agility, whilst keeping fit in the process."

The results have been released ahead of the KC International Agility Festival for dogs, which takes place at Rockingham Castle, Northamptonshire, from August 9 - 11.

Image courtesy of Victoria Ludley, the KC