Overview
The Ultima Pro is MidWest’s premium wire crate. It keeps the familiar fold-flat, double-door design of the brand’s everyday crates, but uses noticeably thicker steel wire. A Chewy product Q&A lists the wire as 7 and 9 gauge; MidWest’s own page does not publish a figure. We link the 42-inch model, 742UP, which Amazon.ca lists at 106.7 x 70.8 x 76.8 cm (about 42 x 28 x 30 inches).
For most owners crate-training a large-breed puppy, or living with an adult dog that leans on doors and rattles panels, the heavier frame is the reason to choose it over a standard crate. It still folds flat without tools, comes with a divider panel so a puppy can grow into it, and includes a removable plastic pan.
MidWest makes the Ultima Pro in five sizes, from 24 to 48 inches, so the same design covers small and giant breeds. The 42-inch size is the usual choice for labs, goldens, boxers and similar dogs, but size by measuring your dog rather than by breed. Your dog should be able to stand without its head touching the roof and turn around without squeezing. If you are buying for a puppy, set the divider so there is just enough room to stand, turn and lie down, and move it back as the dog grows; too much space early on can make house training harder.
Key features
- Professional-gauge steel wire, heavier than MidWest’s standard crates
- Two doors (front and side) with slide-bolt latches
- Divider panel included
- Removable, leak-proof plastic pan
- Roller feet to protect floors
- Folds flat with no tools; sizes from 24 to 48 inches
Who it suits (and who should skip it)
It suits owners of large breeds such as labs, goldens and shepherds who want a crate that will last from puppyhood into adulthood, and anyone whose dog has bent or warped a lighter crate. The side door helps if the crate needs to sit against a wall.
It is still a wire crate. A determined escape artist may work at the doors, and it should be described as escape-resistant rather than escape-proof. If your dog is injuring itself trying to get out, stop and get help from your vet or a certified trainer. It is also heavy in the larger sizes, so it is not the one to carry between rooms every day. Some Amazon owners report bent hinges or shipping damage on arrival, so inspect it as soon as it arrives.
How it compares
The MidWest LifeStages 48-inch is a lighter-duty, more affordable wire crate in a bigger size for extra-large breeds. If you need a crate for car or air travel, a solid plastic kennel such as the Petmate Sky Kennel is the more suitable shape. During house training, a slide-out pan makes clean-up easier; our guide to removing pet stains naturally covers the floor around it.
Pros and cons
What we like
- Heavier wire than standard MidWest crates
- Two doors, divider panel and leak-proof pan
- Folds flat with no tools
- Roller feet help protect floors
Watch out for
- Heavy to move in larger sizes
- Escape-resistant, not escape-proof
- Some owners report bent hinges on arrival
Our rating: 4.3/5
| Build quality | 4.5 |
|---|---|
| Ease of use | 4.2 |
| Safety & trust | 4.2 |
| Value | 4.0 |
| US & Canada availability | 4.4 |
Our rating is an editorial score based on the brand's published specs, independent reviews, safety and trust signals, value and availability in the US and Canada. It is not Amazon's customer rating, and brands do not pay for placement.
Frequently asked questions
What size dog fits the 42-inch Ultima Pro?
The 42-inch crate is aimed at large breeds. Rather than relying on weight alone, measure your dog standing and lying down: they should be able to stand without ducking and turn around easily. Amazon.ca lists the 742UP at about 106.7 x 70.8 x 76.8 cm.
Is the Ultima Pro escape-proof?
No crate is. The thicker wire makes it harder to bend than standard crates, but a determined dog can still work at the doors. Use both latches, check them regularly, and if your dog is trying hard to escape, ask your vet or a qualified trainer for advice.
Does the Ultima Pro come with a divider?
Yes. A divider panel is included so you can shrink the usable space for a puppy and move it back as the dog grows. That lets you buy the adult size once instead of replacing the crate later.
Is the Ultima Pro different on Amazon.ca and Amazon.com?
It is the same ASIN and the same 742UP model in both stores. The Canadian listing gives dimensions in centimetres, so convert carefully before comparing sizes. Check that the 42-inch size is selected before you check out.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice. Check with your vet before changing your pet's food or adding a supplement.
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