If you’re searching for a MidWest Ultima Pro vs ProSelect Empire comparison, you likely need a crate that can survive an escape artist, aggressive chewer, or separation-anxious dog. Standard wire crates buckle under persistent pressure, leaving you with bent bars, broken latches, and a loose dog. This research-based comparison analyzes construction, sizing, portability, and value to help you choose the right heavy-duty crate for your household.
Why Standard Crates Fail Power Chewers and Escape Artists
Most wire crates use 5-9mm gauge wire with simple slide-bolt latches. Dogs who panic during storms, experience separation anxiety, or test boundaries can bend thinner gauge wire within minutes. The American Kennel Club’s crate training resources describe escape behavior as a common response to inadequate conditioning or underlying anxiety, but even well-conditioned dogs sometimes need reinforced containment during high-stress events.
Both the MidWest Ultima Pro and ProSelect Empire address these gaps with thicker gauge steel, reinforced corner brackets, and multi-point locking systems. The question isn’t whether you need heavy-duty construction — it’s which design better matches your dog’s size, your home layout, and your portability needs.
Construction: How the MidWest Ultima Pro and ProSelect Empire Compare
Frame and Wire Gauge
The MidWest Ultima Pro uses welded 6-gauge corner posts and 8-gauge wire throughout the body. Six-gauge steel is approximately 4mm thick, creating rigid corner supports that resist torque when dogs throw their weight against the door. The floor grid uses the same 8-gauge wire as the sides, eliminating a common weak point where lighter-duty crates use thinner floor bars.
The ProSelect Empire employs 5/8-inch steel tubing for the frame and 9-gauge wire for panels. While 9-gauge (approximately 3.8mm) is thinner than the Ultima Pro’s 8-gauge, the Empire’s continuous tubular frame distributes stress differently. ProSelect’s design prioritizes frame rigidity over individual wire thickness, creating a cage-within-a-cage effect.
For dogs who chew or bite at wire (common in anxious dogs), thicker gauge wire bends less under jaw pressure. For dogs who ram or body-slam doors (common in barrier-frustrated dogs), frame rigidity matters more than individual wire gauge. Neither approach is objectively superior — the right choice depends on your dog’s specific escape method.
Latch and Lock Systems
The Ultima Pro features a five-point door locking system: four corner locks plus a center vertical lock. Each lock is a slide-bolt design with a secondary pin that prevents accidental release. The door can withstand significant outward pressure because force distributes across five points rather than concentrating at traditional top-and-bottom latches.
The Empire uses a three-point locking system with heavy-duty cam-lock latches at top, center, and bottom. Cam-locks engage more securely than slide-bolts because the rotating mechanism creates friction against a steel plate. However, three points mean the door flexes slightly more between lock locations compared to the Ultima Pro’s five-point spread.
Both systems are dramatically more secure than the spring-loaded clips found on recreational crates, but the Ultima Pro’s additional lock points reduce flex for dogs who continuously test the door.
Floor Pan and Tray Design
Both crates include removable composite floor pans. The Ultima Pro’s pan sits flush with the bottom wire grid, creating a flat surface without gaps where urine can pool. The pan is ABS plastic, which resists warping and cracking better than cheaper polypropylene.
The Empire’s pan uses a similar composite material but includes raised edges that create a shallow lip around the perimeter. This lip contains accidents more effectively but makes the pan slightly harder to slide out for cleaning if your dog is still inside the crate.
Neither pan is chew-proof. Dogs determined to destroy plastic flooring can crack or puncture both designs. For extreme chewers, some owners remove the pan entirely and place washable blankets directly on the wire floor grid, though this creates pressure points on paw pads during extended confinement.
Sizing and Breed Fit: Which Crate Matches Your Dog
Both manufacturers offer multiple size options, but their sizing philosophies differ. The Ultima Pro line emphasizes incremental sizing with half-steps between standard dimensions. The Empire line uses broader jumps with fewer SKUs.
MidWest Ultima Pro Size Range
| Model | Exterior Dimensions | Interior Height | Typical Breed Fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36″ | 36.5″L × 24.5″W × 28″H | 26″ | Cocker Spaniel, Beagle, Bulldog |
| 42″ | 42.5″L × 28.5″W × 30.5″H | 28.5″ | Boxer, Labrador, Australian Shepherd |
| 48″ | 48.5″L × 30.5″W × 32.5″H | 30.5″ | German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Doberman |
| 54″ | 54″L × 37″W × 45″H | 42″ | Great Dane, Mastiff, Irish Wolfhound |
ProSelect Empire Size Range
| Model | Exterior Dimensions | Interior Height | Typical Breed Fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36″ | 37″L × 24″W × 27″H | 25″ | Boston Terrier, Sheltie, Miniature Schnauzer |
| 42″ | 43″L × 30″W × 34″H | 32″ | Border Collie, Labrador, Pointer |
| 48″ | 49″L × 30″W × 41″H | 39″ | Doberman, Akita, Weimaraner |
The most significant difference appears in the 48-54″ range. The Ultima Pro’s 54″ model provides 45″ of interior height, accommodating the tallest giant breeds. The Empire’s largest stock size (48″) offers 41″ of height, which works for most large dogs but may feel cramped for Great Danes or Wolfhounds who stand 32-34″ at the shoulder.
For proper crate sizing, the ASPCA’s enrichment guidelines recommend enough height for the dog to stand without hunching and enough length to turn around comfortably. A dog who can’t achieve natural standing posture experiences postural stress during extended stays.
Portability and Assembly: Setup and Transport Differences
Weight and Fold Mechanism
The Ultima Pro 42″ model weighs approximately 68 pounds. It uses a fold-flat design where the sides collapse inward after removing floor pins. The folded profile is roughly 6 inches thick, making it feasible to slide behind a car seat or store vertically in a closet. However, 68 pounds is a two-person carry for most adults, and maneuvering the crate through doorways requires planning.
The Empire 42″ model weighs approximately 77 pounds due to its tubular frame construction. It also folds flat, but the thicker frame tubes create a folded profile closer to 8 inches. The extra weight and bulk make it less practical for frequent transport but more stable when set up in a permanent location.
Neither crate is designed for weekly disassembly. The fold mechanisms hold up for occasional moves or seasonal storage, but daily setup-and-takedown will wear the pivot points faster than the manufacturer intends.
Handle and Carry Features
The Ultima Pro includes molded carrying handles on both the top frame and side panels. These handles are load-bearing and positioned to balance the crate’s weight when two people lift. The handles are large enough to grip while wearing work gloves.
The Empire includes top handles only. The lack of side handles makes angled lifts (necessary when navigating stairs) more awkward. For single-location use this is irrelevant, but for households that move the crate between floors or vehicles, the Ultima Pro’s handle placement is more practical.
Door Configuration and Access Options
Single vs Dual Door Models
Both manufacturers offer single-door and dual-door configurations in most sizes. Single-door models place the entry on the narrow end, which works well when the crate sits against a wall or in a corner. Dual-door models add a side entry, providing flexibility for room layouts where end access is obstructed.
The Ultima Pro’s dual-door 42″ model includes independently locking doors. You can secure one door permanently and use only the side entry if that matches your furniture arrangement. Each door has its own five-point locking system.
The Empire’s dual-door configuration uses shared latch hardware, meaning both doors unlock from a single release mechanism in some models. This simplifies operation but reduces flexibility if you want one door permanently secured.
Door Swing and Clearance
Both crates use outward-swinging doors. The Ultima Pro’s door opens to approximately 100 degrees before the hinges stop, creating a wide entry that doesn’t require the dog to squeeze past a partially open door. This matters for arthritic or anxious dogs who hesitate at narrow openings.
The Empire’s door swings to roughly 90 degrees. This is sufficient clearance for most dogs but can create a tighter entry angle if the crate is positioned in a corner where the door can’t open fully.
Value Analysis: Price Per Pound and Long-Term Cost
As of 2026, the MidWest Ultima Pro 42″ typically retails between $280-$320 depending on retailer and sales cycles. The ProSelect Empire 42″ generally ranges from $310-$360. Both prices reflect the heavy-duty construction category, sitting well above recreational wire crates ($80-$120) but below custom-welded containment cages ($600+).
Cost Per Durability Factor
If you calculate cost per pound of steel (not a perfect metric, but useful for comparing construction investment), the Ultima Pro delivers slightly better value. At 68 pounds and $300 average price, you’re paying $4.41 per pound. The Empire at 77 pounds and $335 average price is $4.35 per pound.
The more relevant calculation is replacement cost over time. If a $100 recreational crate lasts six months before an escape artist bends it beyond use, you’ll spend $200+ per year on replacements. A $300 heavy-duty crate that lasts five years costs $60 per year. Neither the Ultima Pro nor the Empire is the cheapest option, but both are cost-effective for dogs who destroy lighter crates.
Warranty and Manufacturer Support
MidWest Homes for Pets offers a one-year manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty does not cover damage from chewing, bending, or other dog-caused wear, which is standard across the industry.
ProSelect offers a similar one-year warranty with the same exclusions. Both companies have established customer service channels, but neither provides free replacement parts for normal wear items like latch springs or door pins.
Which Crate Fits Which Household
Choose the MidWest Ultima Pro If:
- Your dog’s primary escape method is biting or manipulating latches (the five-point locking system provides more security)
- You need to move the crate between rooms or vehicles more than twice per year (lighter weight and better handle placement help)
- Your dog is in the 60-90 pound range where the 42″ model’s dimensions are perfect (the Ultima Pro’s sizing increments hit this sweet spot)
- You prefer thicker individual wire gauge over tubular frame design (8-gauge vs 9-gauge)
Choose the ProSelect Empire If:
- Your dog’s primary escape method is body-slamming or ramming the door (the tubular frame absorbs impact force better)
- The crate will stay in one location year-round (the extra weight isn’t a drawback and adds stability)
- You prefer cam-lock latches over slide-bolt designs (some users find cam-locks more intuitive to operate)
- You need the absolute maximum frame rigidity and don’t mind the weight trade-off
Consider Alternatives If:
- Your dog is under 40 pounds — both crates are overbuilt for smaller dogs, and you’ll pay for features you don’t need
- Your dog has never shown escape behavior — a standard wire crate costs half as much and works fine for non-destructive dogs
- You need true chew-proof construction — both crates resist bending but won’t stop a determined chewer from damaging wire or floor pans; welded steel containment cages are a better (though much more expensive) option
Where to Buy: Current Availability and Affiliate Links
Both the MidWest Ultima Pro and ProSelect Empire are widely available through major pet supply retailers.
MidWest Ultima Pro:
Where to buy: Check current price on Amazon — affiliate link (no cost to you).
ProSelect Empire:
Where to buy: Check current price on Amazon — affiliate link (no cost to you).
Prices fluctuate based on size, color (black vs silver hammertone), and seasonal promotions. Both manufacturers occasionally run sales during major retail events (Black Friday, Prime Day), where discounts of 15-20% are typical.
Honest Take: What the Research Shows
The midwest ultima pro vs proselect empire decision comes down to mobility versus mass. The Ultima Pro’s lighter weight, superior handle design, and five-point locking make it the better choice for households that value portability or have dogs who focus escape attempts on latch manipulation. The Empire’s tubular frame and extra mass make it the better choice for permanent installations with dogs who use brute force ramming.
Neither crate is chew-proof, fire-resistant, or appropriate for dogs with severe separation anxiety that manifests as self-harm. Both crates assume you’re addressing escape behavior through a combination of physical containment and behavioral conditioning. The ASPCA’s position on crate training emphasizes that crates are management tools, not solutions for underlying anxiety or inadequate exercise.
For most power-chewer and escape-artist scenarios in the 50-100 pound dog range, the Ultima Pro delivers slightly better value through its combination of security features and practical portability. For giant breeds or situations where the crate will never move, the Empire’s additional stability justifies the weight and cost premium.
Assembly Tips and First-Use Setup
Both crates arrive partially assembled with the main panels connected. Final setup involves:
- Unfolding the frame — Position the collapsed crate on its side, remove the shipping pins, and extend the sides to 90-degree angles. The Ultima Pro’s lighter weight makes this easier for solo assembly.
- Securing floor pins — Both crates use steel pins that slide through aligned holes in the floor grid and frame. These pins lock the crate in the open position. Ensure pins are fully seated; partially inserted pins can work loose.
- Installing the floor pan — Slide the composite pan under the wire floor grid. The Ultima Pro’s flush design makes this straightforward. The Empire’s lipped pan requires angling to clear the door threshold.
- Testing all latches — Before introducing your dog, open and close each latch 5-10 times to verify smooth operation. Stiff latches can be eased with a small amount of dry lubricant (graphite powder, not oil which attracts dirt).
- Anchoring (optional) — For dogs who rock or tip crates, some owners bolt the crate to wall studs or floor joists using L-brackets attached to the frame tubes. This is not manufacturer-recommended but is common practice in severe cases.
Maintenance and Long-Term Durability
Both crates require minimal maintenance beyond periodic cleaning. Wipe steel surfaces with a damp cloth and mild detergent; avoid abrasive cleaners that scratch protective coatings. Inspect weld points quarterly for cracks or separation, especially around high-stress corners.
Latch mechanisms benefit from annual lubrication. Use dry graphite or PTFE spray; avoid wet lubricants that accumulate dust. Check floor pan edges for cracks where dogs step in and out repeatedly. Hairline cracks can be temporarily sealed with epoxy, but cracked pans should eventually be replaced to prevent sharp edges.
The powder-coat finish on both crates resists rust better than bare steel but will chip if struck by metal objects or scratched by dog claws. Touch up chips with rust-inhibiting paint to prevent corrosion from spreading underneath the coating.
Related Guides
- Best Dog Harness for Pulling: 6 Researched Picks
- Best Orthopedic Dog Beds for Large Breeds
- Best Dog Crates by Size
Sources & Further Reading
American Kennel Club — Crate Training Benefits and Basics: Overview of humane crate use and appropriate confinement duration by age.
ASPCA — Crate Training Guidelines: Position statement on crate training as management tool, including contraindications for anxiety-driven destruction.
American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior — Humane Dog Training Position Statement: Evidence-based guidance on behavior modification approaches that complement crate management.
Fear Free Pets — Crate Conditioning Protocol: Step-by-step desensitization process for teaching dogs to accept crate confinement without distress.
Huy Tong is the editor of Snout Hive. Based in Vietnam, he runs the site’s research process — analysing manufacturer specs, safety data and large samples of verified buyer reviews against veterinary and certified-trainer guidance. Not a vet or certified trainer; every source is cited and the methodology is public. Independent — no brand sponsorships.