Thanks to Matt from The Pet Haven for this article - Walk Your Dog To Stay Healthy
It refutes the previous study in Finnland that stated that dog owners are less healthy than non-dog owners - Pet Owners May Be Less Healthy
Personally I think there is almost no difference, in whether you own a dog or not as to whether you are more healthy or not. It depends on the person’s own personality and what they do with their dog. Also exercise is only one part of the equation what you put in your mouth is the other. If you eat in excess of the exercise you obtain from walking your dog you are still going to be heavy regardless.
The one thing that is true about pet ownership is the unmeasurable benefit of an adoring pet with unconditional love has a tremendous effect on the emotional well being of the people that love the pets back.