Der Löwe was used as a racehorse for the first years of his life, and was a successful stakes winner, most notably winning the Grosser Preis von Baden in 1948.

His breeding career spanned 20 years, during which time he produced 6 state stallions, 158 registered mares, as well as 314 competition horses who earned winning of DM750,000.

He also sired dressage horses such as Karin Schlüter's Liostro, Erika Scharzkopf's Löwenherz, Carola Lampe's Lanthan, Holger& Inge Schmezers' Lady Lou, Hans-Jürgen Armbrust's Leopardin, Marjolyn Greeve's Lucky Boy, John Winnett's and Leopardi.

Dark Ronald was successful on the track and in the breeding shed in Britain, before being shipped to the German state stud of Graditz.

Wahnfried's pedigree includes 1903 English Triple Crown winner Rock Sand, who was also grand-sire to Man o' War.