The school went in this direction to align with the Fighting Irish moniker and Irish folklore. It hasn't always been a human mascot. For nearly 35 years, the mascot was an Irish terrier dog.

Before the Leprechaun, Notre Dame's football team was represented by a series of Irish Terrier dogs, starting with Brick Top Shuan-Rhu in 1930. These dogs were collectively known as Clashmore Mike.

The Fighting Irish realized multiple people needed to be selected from the various sports programs. Notre Dame spent nearly 55 years only having men serve as the leprechaun.