The Midwest Ultima Pro Extra Strong Dog Crate is yet another crate from Midwest, one of the largest pet brands in the world.
Actually, Midwest Home for Pets is a sub-brand to the mother brand known as Midwest Metal products. So, naturally, most of its products are metal crates and other such animal homes. (Find out other types of dog crates as well as tips on crating your dog by clicking here to read our article on dog crates and crate training).
Being in existence since 1921, Midwest Home for Pets has had a long time of experience in the business. So, it’s little wonder that the brand has diverse product offerings at value prices.
The brand describes its greatest strength as its “synergistic relationship” between all departments that make up the company. That is, the brand ensures that there is a synergy between all departments from the research and design department to the customer service team, to the quality control department.
And finally, to ensure that customers get only the best, Midwest maintains that it passes all its products through the most detailed and rigorous evaluation methods. It also explains on its site that it follows all guidelines as stated by the American Society for Quality and the American Society for Testing Materials.
Knowing this, can we expect flawless perfection from the Midwest Ultima Pro Extra Strong Dog Crate? Well, you’re right on time for our review where we will attempt to answer that question and more the best way we can.
Table of Contents
Who Is The Midwest Ultima Pro Extra Strong Dog Crate For?
From our research, the Midwest Ultima Pro Extra Strong Dog Crate is actually pretty strong for something made of wire gauge. Many dogs with a decent level of rambunctiousness were able to stay in this comfortably without destroying the crate entirely.
There were reports scattered here and there about bending the crate, though. But that’s sorta to be expected. Some dogs are like that.
So, yes, we could recommend this for a decently energetic dog. But if your dog is really aggressive, look into a heavy-duty dog crate made just for that purpose. Also, look into crate training them. It can be done (find out tips for that by clicking this link to read our article on dog crates and crate training).
Now, here’s something though… The doors. They might not necessarily form an impregnable fortress. In fact, they are actually quite loose and you might have to beef them up a bit before you can use them.
So, this crate is definitely not for your furry baby if he escapes for a living. But if you must get it anyway, just make sure that you have plans to fix the door, else you’ll be in big trouble.
Features Of The Midwest Ultima Pro Extra Strong Dog Crate
1. Strong Wire Gauge Construction
Midwest describes the Midwest Ultima Pro Extra Strong Dog Crate as its strongest crate ever which is saying something.
We’ve reviewed four different dog crates from Midwest now which include the Life Stages dog crate (click this link to read our review), the iCrate dog crate (click this link to read our review), the Ace dog crate (click this link to read our review), and the Ovation dog crates (click this link to read our review). These are all wire dog crates just like the Ultima Pro. However, Midwest is saying that the Ultima Pro is the strongest you can get.
It is made from a strong, thick wire gauge which Midwest says would work for strong dogs and show dogs. Of course, when we heard this, we went snooping to find out if this was actually true or just another marketing gimmick.
Well, it turns out that Midwest is actually quite correct. The crate seems to be holding up to quite a level of beating from some pretty strong dogs.
However, we wouldn’t say it is the strongest thing to ever grace the world of dog crates. And if your dog is really aggressive, they could actually tear this down.
But we can, at least, agree that Midwest did a pretty good job designing a crate that would stand up to moderately energetic dogs.
2. Divider Panel
The Midwest Ultima Pro Extra Strong Dog Crate is one crate that can definitely grow with your pet, and that’s thanks to the divider panel it comes with.
This divider panel will help you manage space on your dog crate while your dog matures into the perfect size for his crate.
3. Plastic Pan
For ease of cleaning, and pretty much like every other dog crate, this comes with a plastic pan.
4. Foldable
As is general practice with wire dog crate manufacturers these days, the Midwest Ultima Pro Extra Strong Dog Crate comes foldable. This means that it can travel with you and you can conveniently store it just about anywhere.
There’s also a carrying handle which serves to make the crate easier to carry when folded.
5. Double Doors
Usually, when Midwest gives us crates, they would come with a single door option and a double door option. However, this is not the case with the Midwest Ultima Pro Extra Strong Dog Crate. There is only one door option which is, thankfully, the double door option.
Double doors are just a lot more convenient and we are sure we don’t need to start explaining why. From convenient access for your pet to easy access for you, the parent, double doors are just a lot better.
Anyway, here’s the ish, they don’t seem to be very firm. So, many complaints, from incorrect alignment to loose attachment, we are not entirely sure of these doors.
In our opinion, they kinda make this crate a bad idea for escape artists. But then again, there were pet parents who were able to beef up the security system of this crate to make it suitable for the escape artist.
Now, here’s something that we picked up that’s a little confusing but a pleasant surprise for us anyway. Now, according to what Midwest advertises, this is a double door crate. But loads of customers be talking about a third door.
We might not be able to say which exactly this comes with. But we don’t see how this can go wrong whichever way the pendulum swings. So, hey, 2 doors? Good. 3 doors? Gooder! Lol.
6. All Sizes Available
You can find the Midwest Ultima Pro Extra Strong Dog Crate in all six sizes. So, it’s suitable for all kinds of dog breeds from the extra-small breeds to the extra-large breeds as well.
Pros Of The Midwest Ultima Pro Extra Strong Dog Crate
1. Pretty strong, high-quality, sturdy dog crate that can stand up to most energetic dogs.
2. Double doors offer convenient access to the crate. We’ve also seen reviews mentioning three doors too. Either way, still a pro!
3. Comes with roller feet to help protect your floors.
4. Large and spacious unit.
5. Folds easily for convenient travel and storage.
Cons Of The Midwest Ultima Pro Extra Strong Dog Crate
1. Terrible crate idea for the escape artist. Doors are too flimsy and poorly constructed, you’d have to beef it up.
2. Latch system isn’t exactly secure too. And yes, that’s different from the door problem.
3. It’s kinda heavy which makes it a bit inconvenient to move around. But then that’s to be expected considering that this is supposed to be heavy duty.
Alternatives To The Midwest Ultima Pro Extra Strong Dog Crate
More Affordable Option — The Midwest iCrate Folding Metal Dog Crate
For all the features of the Midwest Ultima Pro Extra Strong Dog Crate, it expectedly comes a bit pricey. Now, if your dog is quite energetic, you can’t even afford to look for something lower-end. But if your dog is crate-trained to the t and you can’t afford our featured product, then you can check out the Midwest iCrate Folding Metal Dog Crate.
The Midwest iCrate Folding Metal Dog Crate isn’t as sturdy as the Ultima Pro, expectedly. But it will do sufficiently as long as your dog is well behaved.
The Midwest iCrate Folding Metal Dog Crate comes with both single and double door options. And the single door crates come in pink and blue finishes too.
Besides these unique features, the Midwest iCrate Folding Metal Dog Crate practically shares every other feature we know Midwest dog crates to carry. Click here to read our comprehensive review of the Midwest iCrate Folding Metal Dog Crate.
For Escape Artistes — The Midwest Ovation Dog Crate
If the doors on this crate are a super big deal for you, then you might want to check out the Midwest Ovation Dog Crate.
The unique feature of this crate is the fact that it comes with two doors, one of which is garage door style. This garage door is a very thoughtful innovation as it’s not just convenient, it also means that you can save some space that would have been used to open a swinging door.
The doors aren’t flimsy and they are well attached. So, you wouldn’t have a problem with that. Plus, it also comes with a single door option as well. And it seems like the garage door is a bit difficult for escape artistes to figure out.
This is also less expensive. And besides this, this crate comes with other normal features we’ve come to know about Midwest crates.
Click here to read our full review of the Midwest Ovation Dog Crates.
Soft Crate Option — The 2Pet Foldable Dog Crate
The 2Pet Foldable Dog Crate is a great choice for those looking to add or go for a soft crate instead. It is of good quality and would easily work for any dog that is well crate-trained.
The crate only comes in sizes that range between small and medium, though. So, it wouldn’t do for large breeds.
The only small problem we noticed with this crate is the handle. It seems to be a bit impractical for most. But besides that, this crate is pretty well-made.
Click here to read a comprehensive review of the 2Pet Foldable Dog Crate.
Hard-Sided Option — The Aspen Pet Traditional Kennel
If your pup loves a really cozy unit to retreat into. Probably he’s shy or something and likes to keep to himself for the most part, then he’s a perfect candidate for a plastic crate. Hard-sided crates are quite cozy and secluded units so said pup would love being in there.
Check out the Aspen Pet Traditional Kennel if you need such a crate. It’s moderately priced, and usable as a pet carrier too.
But then, this only comes in sizes for extra small to small breeds.
Quick Comparison Table
| Featured | More Affordable | More High End | Soft Dog Crate | Plastic Dog Crate | |
| Product |
Midwest Ultima Pro Extra-Strong Folding Metal Dog Crate
Click here to get it for your dog.
|
Midwest iCrate Folding Metal Dog Crate
|
Midwest Ovation Dog Crate
|
2Pet Foldable Dog Crate |
Aspen Pet Traditional Kennel
Click here to get the Aspen Pet Traditional Kennel
|
| Material | Heavy-duty gauge metal | Metal wire | Metal wire | 600D Oxford Fabric | Plastic |
| Sizes Available | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5: 20 inches, 24 inches, 28 inches, 32 inches, and 36 inches | 3: 20 inches, 24 inches, and 28 inches |
| Doors | 2 | Single and double door options | Single and Double Door options | 2 | 1 |
| Colors Available | Black | Black, with pink and blue for single door option | Black | Biscuit Beige, Bonny Blue, Grizzle Grey, and Rawhide Red | Grey |
| Assembly Required? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | All dog breeds including moderately rambunctious dogs and chewers. | All kinds of dogs except aggressive chewers and escape artists | All kinds of dogs except aggressive chewers. Should work for escape artists except they are also chewers. | Small to medium crate-trained breeds | Crate trained dogs especially reclusive ones. Great as a pet carrier too. |
What Customers Are Saying About The Midwest Ultima Pro Extra Strong Dog Crate
The Midwest Ultima Pro Extra Strong Dog Crate is super strong and customers seem to agree with that. All over, we have seen a plethora of positive comments pouring in from different customers concerning the strength and durability of this crate.
It seems that the crate was able to take quite a beating from most energetic dogs without losing its mind or something.
However, here’s another universal comment about this crate, the doors are crap!
In some cases, the doors won’t come properly aligned. You’d have to maneuver your way just to get the door to close. And the locks too aren’t great either. Also, some customers found it a bit difficult using the locks.
But even worse, a lot of dogs figured out how to jimmy the locks in barely few days. So, nope, this isn’t for the escape artist.
Lastly, we did notice that instead of the two doors that Midwest advertises with this crate, a lot of customers seem to be talking about three doors. So, there is the possibility that the crate that lands on your doorstep comes with three doors.
Our Verdict
We can sincerely say that Midwest did a great job on this crate. The Ultima Pro Extra Strong is extra strong for sure. So we definitely see this working for your dog provided they are not on steroids or something. Lol.
But fix up the doors, though, if you plan to make this crate secure enough for your pet.
We’ve got to say it. We do love the Midwest Ultima Pro Extra Strong Dog Crate.
