A report from Hill's Pet Nutrition has revealed that large dogs are often left behind in shelters due to various factors such as pet parent confidence, cost, and size-related concerns. The report also revealed that 2.8 million dogs entered U.S. shelters in 2025, with large dogs accounting for 26 percent of the total intake. While these dogs do not make up the majority of shelter dogs, they have the longest median lengths of stays and the smallest share of total adoptions. Despite these challenges, Gen Z and millennials are twice as likely as older generations to consider adopting a large dog from a shelter. The study aims to identify the root causes of adoption hesitancy and develop effective strategies to reduce barriers and improve outcomes.