Beagles can really run. I think you will do fine if you stay away from a spaniel. I like the spaniel, but I think they are harder to control. I think you may do well to find an adult dog that has already been house trained because of your heart. If you want him to track deer I don't think that would be to hard to train for. www.petfinder.com. You can find some good adult dogs there. I was going to get my dog there, but the unusual breed I wanted was not there. Make your own choice in the end, but thats my idea. It worked really well for my parents. My dad says he has the best dog he ever had. My brother did the same thing.