 The role of Winn-Dixie was played by two Picardy Shepherds, a rare breed from France.It stars AnnaSophia Robb, Jeff Daniels, Cicely Tyson, Luke Benward, Dave Matthews, Eva Marie Saint, Courtney Jines, BJ Hopper, Nick Price, Elle Fanning, Harland Williams and John McConnell.The film premiered at the USA Film Festival on January 26, 2005 and was theatrically released on February 18, 2005.